A gazette notice has been issued on the resignation of Muslim ministers, state ministers, and a deputy minister.
The gazette notice notes that Rauff Hakeem, Rishad Bathiudeen, Kabir Hashim, and Abdul Haleem had resigned from their ministerial posts in the Cabinet.
According to the gazette notice, Hakeem, Bathiudeen, and Haleem’s resignations were effective from 3 June, while Hashim resigned with effect from 4 June.
The gazette also notes that the state ministers resigned from their officers under Article 46(3)(b) of the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, with effect from 3 June 2019.
The state ministers who resigned are Mohamed Casim, Mohamed Harees, Ameer Ali, and Ali Zahir Moulana.
The gazette notice also says that Abdullah Maharoof Mohammadu Mohammadu resigned from his office post under Article 46(3)(b) of the Constitution, with effect from 3 June 2019.
Former Minister of Industries and Commerce, Resettlement of Protracted Displaced Persons, Co-operative Development, and Vocational Training and Skills Development Rishad Bathiudeen
“I will not be reassuming my duties as the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Resettlement of Protracted Displaced Persons, Co-operative Development, and Vocational Training and Skills Development for the time being. We are holding discussions at the moment. We will collectively come to a definite decision once the discussions are concluded.
“Further, I want to be rid of all false accusations, so I urge whoever is responsible to probe investigations to verify these accusations, only after which will I be assuming my duties.”
Former State Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government H.M.M. Harees
“Our resignations have been gazetted and published so we do not have any claim to these ministries anymore. However, at the moment, I will not be reassuming my duties as the Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government.”
Former State Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Rural Economic Affairs M.P. Shihabdeen
“We are currently holding discussions with the resigned ministers and other political leaders and we will make a collective decision once these meetings are concluded.”
Former State Minister of Health, Nutrition, and Indigenous Medicine Faizal Cassim
“Firstly, we want the Government to look and investigate the accusations made against MP Bathuideen and others. They must verify whether these allegations are true or false once and for all and if these accusations are true, they must take the necessary action against them. If not, clear their names of all charges against them. Only after this mess is cleared up will we reassume our duties.”
Former State Minister of Social Empowerment Seyed Ali Zahir Moulana
“For the time being, will definitely not be resuming duties as a state minister.”
Pictures by Pradeep Dambarage