PM scotches resignation rumours

Prime Minister D M Jayaratne scotched rumours about a possible resignation from his post when he met a group of journalists at his Visumpaya official residence yesterday.

Asked by journalists whether he is planning to resign, the Prime Minister said he had no intention of resigning from his post at present.

However, he said the Prime Minister's post is not his divine right as the President in his capacity of Head of State had the prerogative of appointing a Prime Minister which is the highest post in the Cabinet and a political party.

Prime Minister Jayaratne said the President normally selected a person who commanded the confidence of a majority of Parliamentarians as the Prime Minister as stated in the constitution.

The Prime Minister said a post or position is just like a coat as it could be removed at anytime.

He said as politicians, they are duty bound to serve the masses irrespective of whether they received high positions or not.

Prime Minister Jayaratne who said he always had the blessings of the President, recalled that the President even intervened to obtain the highest medical attention abroad when he was ill. He said he had not received any request so far to resign from the post of Prime Minister. Describing President Rajapaksa as a veteran statesman, he said no other politician in this country could match him in experience and political wisdom.

"The President is leading the country towards development progress fearlessly overcoming challenges posed by local and international conspirators and the people should shelve all petty differences and assist him in achieving those targets," the Prime Minister said.