We reported yesterday (Aug. 24) that the governor of Western Province, Hanif Yousuf, had given his resignation to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake citing personal reasons.
The government upto now has not officially denied this resignation but under pressure, finally used a fact checker to categorize the report as fake.
We confirm that Hanif not only resigned but also plans to relocate.
However, even yesterday he confirmed to a VVIP that he is under severe pressure from family and friends to withstand the decision.
Hanif won’t be the governor of Western Province in November ahead of the budget. However, to save the face of the President, he may agree to take an advisory role relating to middle east affairs.
In that role, Hanif cannot do any business. Until Hanif says he did not resign, the report stands.
If he says he did not, we will write again.
Last night, another senior presidential advisor, Hans Wijesuriya, wanted to resign as well. He is under immense pressure from his inner circles. But he was urged to stay without making the government uncomfortable. Hans is in fear now not knowing what to do.
Malik Samarawickrama, so called Ranil Wickremesinghe’s buddy, is the man behind the President now.
Malik was told to take care of his pick, Hulangamuwa.
This was based on rumours Hulangamuwa is to resign.
Hulangamuwa, a native of Kandy from a noble family background is under severe pressure to quit.
Pravir Samarasinghe will certainly resign in due course. It’s for a different reason.
We never wanted to write this report.
However, since it was categorized as fake by an innocent fact checker under duress, we thought of letting everyone of you know the truth.
While none of the individuals mentioned have issued formal public statements, the underlying message from those close to the developments is clear – pressure is mounting, and cracks are forming beneath the surface of the AKD-led NPP administration.
