Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has said he will resign from his portfolio of Justice and Buddhasasana Minister, following the President’s decision to remove him from his position.

The Justice and Buddhasasana Minister however said he would retain his membership with the United National Party (UNP).

Earlier this morning President Maithripala Sirisena said he had agreed to the UNP’s decision to remove Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe from his position.

The UNP Working Committee conveyed their decision asking the President to remove the Minister from his position yesterday.

Rajapakshe was a facing a no-confidence motion by members of his own party following comments he made on the lease of the Hambantota harbor to China.

He was also criticized for not making progress with the prosecution of certain members of the previous regime.