In a strongly worded letter of resignation, Deputy Minister Manusha Nanayakkara informed President Maithripala Sirisena that it was Speaker Karu Jayasuriya's recognition of UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the lawful Prime Minister of the country that prompted him to leave the Sirisena-Rajapaksa government. 

"You are also well aware that no international country has recognized the perpetrated government that we took oaths in. This has certainly provoked my democratic conscience and have seriously discussed with my political affiliates and my followers and come to the view that I cannot in anyway be partisan to such illegal and unconstitutional acts," Nanayakkara said, in his letter of resignation. 

"As such, I tender forthwith my letter of resignation, in keeping with my democratic political conscience and belief," he added. 

"I would also like to draw your attention that the mandate you got on January 08, 2015, and the subsequent national government that was formed was very clearly to eradicate such abuse of power and undemocratic acts," Nanayakkara said. 

"But as from now, I will accept the Speaker's statement and accept Ranil Wickremesinghe as the legitimate Prime Minister who has the majority in the Parliament," he also added.