It is reported that he had made the announcement that he would step down simply to mislead his supporters.

Premadasa in a message released on social media on November 17th announced that following his defeat, he would be stepping down from his post as the Deputy Leader of the UNP and also his ministerial post.

However, when contacted, the UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said that so far Sajith Premadasa had not officially resigned from his Deputy Leadership and to date he had not notified the party regarding his decision in writing.

However, party C hairman Kabir Hashim and Minister Harin Fernando resigned from their posts having supported Sajith Premadasa’s presidential campaign and subsequent defeat.