President asks Bethmage to resign from his post

By Yohan Perera
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has asked Minister of Land, Agriculture and Tourism of the Western Provincial Council Hector Bethmage who surrendered to the police and was released on bail yesterday to resign from his post as he was found guilty at a disciplinary inquiry carried out by the party.

Informed sources said that he was asked to resign three days ago by the President.

Sources said that the disciplinary committee had recommended that he be removed both from the party and the ministerial post.

Meanwhile UNP Provincial Councillor Sujeewa Senasinghe said he moved a no-confidence motion against the Minister in the year 2006 and it was suspended as a result of the MOU between the UNP in 2006.

Mr. Senasinghe said it was sad to see the government taking so long to take action.