Jaffna MP C VWigneswaran has confirmed that he will withdraw from the running in the upcoming General Election, which is to be held on November 14th, stating that the opportunity should be given to Tamil youths to enter parliament instead.
In a statement released to the media, he says that he has decided not to contest so that this space could be given to the youth instead. He said he would continue to stay in Jaffna and engage in political activities in his capacity.
“The time has come when the Political Leadership of the Tamil People needs more participation from the youth," said the former Supreme Court Jusice. "Accepting that, I request the Tamil people to support the youth in the upcoming Parliamentary Elections.”
The announcement from Wigneswaran comes days after former President Ranil Wickremesinghe also declared that he would not contest in the upcoming general election. UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene and Chairman Vajira Abeywardena confirmed the decision made by Wickremesinghe during a media briefing held last week. Wijewardene said that Wickremesinghe was not keen on coming back to Parliament through the national list and would instead focus on the leadership of the UNP for the next election campaign.
“Ranil Wickremesinghe has decided not to contest or enter Parliament through the national list in the forthcoming election,” Wijewardene confirmed, adding that despite this, Wickremesinghe will remain actively involved in guiding the party through this critical period. This decision by Wickremesinghe comes after a crushing defeat in the recent Presidential polls.
