Sampanthan back in CC despite Rajapaksa objection

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader Rajavarothayam Sampanthan has returned as a member of the Constitutional Council.

At Friday’s CC meeting chaired by Speaker Karu Jayasuruya, his name was proposed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

However, Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa proposed the name of Douglas Devananda, leader of the Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP).

Mr. Rajapaksa pointed out that the TNA was part of the government and hence Mr. Sampanthan could not be a member. However, later Premier Wickremesinghe had persuaded Mr. Devananda to withdraw his candidature.