Inside Story

Former Sri Lanka Sports Minister Harin Fernando To Be Appointed From SJB National List

Written by Sumit Seth

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has decided to nominate six former MPs and a female politician for their seven national list seats, including Former Sri Lanka Sports Minister Harin Fernando. The SJB received 2.7 million votes, securing 47 seats and seven national list seats.

Accordingly SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, Harin Fernando, Tissa Attanayake, Imthiaz Bakeer Markar, Eran Wickremaratne, Mayantha Dissanayake and Diana Gamage will be appointed national list members of the party. Diana Gamage is also the Deputy General Secretar of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya. Harin oversaw  marketing, entire campaign of the alliance during the election and played the most important part in SJB emerging as the main opposite party after Friday’s general election results.

The names would soon be sent to the National Elections Commission.

Unarguably the most popular and proactive Sports Minister in Sri Lanka history, Harin made an everlasting impact in his short tenure and will be remembered for taking courageous decisions like banning match fixing accused former Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) President Thilanga Sumathipala, establishing ICC Anti-corruption unit in Colombo and introducing anti corruption law!

Also, his decision to allow selectors to appoint Dimuth Karunaratne has done wonders for Sri Lanka, as now team is consistently winning matches under his inspirational leadership.

About the author

Sumit Seth