UNP MP Wasantha Senanayake, who had claimed earlier that he was resigning from the ministerial portfolio, has reportedly participated in the Cabinet meeting held today (21).

The Cabinet meeting, chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena was held at 9.30 a.m. this morning at the Presidential Secretariat.

Minister of Tourism and Wildlife Wasantha Senanayake had announced last week that he will resign from his ministerial portfolio as he believes that the incumbent government does not have a majority in Parliament.

Speaking to reporters at the Parliament premises on November 14, he had said that he would tender his resignation to the President that very same day.

“I joined them thinking that they have the majority, but it seems that is no longer the issue. I will work with any government for my people,” he had stated responding to queries from reporters.

He was sworn in before the President as the Minister of Tourism and Wildlife and assumed duties in the ministerial portfolio on October 31.

The UNP MP had decided to support Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was appointed after the sacking of Ranil Wickremesinghe and accepted the ministerial portfolio in the new government.

However, after the vote on the no-confidence motion that was moved against Rajapaksa at Parliament on November 14, Senanayake had announced his decision to resign following the discussions held with the UNP members.