The real reasons behind Mangala Samaraweera’s stepping down from active politics is said to be the revelations that he would be defeated at the upcoming elections. The candidate for Matara from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, therefore, yesterday announced that he is stepping down from parliamentary politics and urged his supporters not to vote for him. It is also reported his decision has been motivated by the fact that he has been offered a top post in the United Nations organization.
Sources said close confidants of Samaraweera had asked him not to contest in the upcoming elections as the odds were unfavourable to him. However, he had gone ahead and handed over nominations confidant that he would win. However, it was later understood that two other candidates from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya in Matara were ahead of Mangala.
It is also believed that the party would only be able to secure around two MP positions and therefore Smaaraweera had decided to step down from politics honourably than be defeated.
While Samaraweera is considered as a much-loved politician, there has been some opposition against him in recent times due to several controversial decisions and statements made by him.
Samaraweera, however, has hinted he will continue in politics to ensure the change desired by the people of this country.
