Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe Announces Retirement from Politics

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Former Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe officially announced his retirement from politics on Wednesday (20), stating that he would not be contesting any future elections.

The announcement came after his visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, where he responded to media questions regarding his political future.

When asked whether there was a possibility of his return to Parliament, Dr. Rajapakshe firmly declined. “No, I don't have such ambitions,” he said. “I have decided not to contest the parliamentary election. A public opinion, shaped largely by the media, has labeled all 225 MPs as thieves and corrupt. I have no desire to be part of that narrative."

Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe further expressed his disinterest in continuing his political career, citing the lack of personal or political gain in doing so. He emphasized that he saw no reason to stay involved in politics given the prevailing negative perception of lawmakers.