Key Sajith Premadasa ally Harin Fernando stepped down from all positions in the government and the party following the UNP's defeat at the Presidential election.

"Respecting the people's mandate I am stepping down as Minister of Sports, Telecommunications & Foreign Employment. I am also resigning from my positions at UNP. I Take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported me in my tenure, hope good work done will be continued," Fernando said.

Meanwhile, Ajith P. Perera, another key supporter of Premadasa, also said he would resign from his post as a non-Cabinet Minister.

Premadasa too has resigned from his post as the Deputy Leader of the party.