After much contemplation, Minister of Postal Services Jeewan Kumaratunga has decided to remain in the ruling party, declining the invitation from Maithripala Sirisena and former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.

Although he previously gave his consent to a crossover, he later changed his mind due to the influence of Malsha Kumaratunga, a provincial councilor of the United People’s Freedom Alliance. Malsha Kumaratunga plays an active role in the youth front of the Sri Lanka Freedom party, headed by Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa.

Jewan Kumaratunga, a nephew of the late Vijaya Kumaratunga, was brought into politics by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in her run up to the Presidency in 1994. Over the past 20 years, Kumaratunga has managed to secure his parliamentary seat.

Although he held a Cabinet portfolio under the present administration, he was always known as a staunch supporter of former President Kumaratunga.

Addressing a public meeting two days ago, Kumaratunga said that he would not leave the ruling party and the President while dubbing President Rajapaksa as the leader who rescued the country from 30 year long violence.

Even though Asian Mirror attempted to contact Kumaratinga on the matter, our efforts did not bear fruit.

However, addressing a press conference in Colombo, former Minister Rajitha Senaratne, who has now aligned himself with the common opposition said several other ruling party MPs are waiting to cross over to the opposition at the right moment.