Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama has resigned from his post as the Chairman of the United National Party. 

Speaking to media, Samarawickrama said he sent his letter of resignation to the party leader a short while ago, as he wanted to make way for the new board of officials. 

The UNP Working Committee yesterday decided to appoint a new board of officials to the party before the end of April. 

The new office bearers will be selected by a special committee appointed yesterday through a secret ballot.