Chris Nonis confirms quit notice

Saturday, 4 October 2014 01:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Britain Dr. Chris Nonis has resigned from his post over the alleged assault incident involving a top Government politician.

Dr. Nonis had told a leading Sri Lankan private TV the channel that he resigned as a result of the incident. Nonis had reportedly been assaulted at a function in the US by MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena. MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena on Thursday called for a press briefing on the allegations raised against him over the alleged incident but cancelled the briefing at the last minute as he needed to leave for the Vatican with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his delegation. Government Minister and leader of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), Champika Ranawaka, on Thursday called for an impartial investigation on the issue concerning Nonis, if there is a formal complaint made at the External Affairs Ministry. Speaking to reporters at a media briefing, Ranawaka had said that Nonis played a crucial role for the country during the Commonwealth summit held in Sri Lanka last year where he made statements countering allegations raised against the Government. Ranawaka said that if the High Commissioner had formally raised the issue with the External Affairs Ministry then the incident should be investigated. However he said an investigation should not be conducted based purely on media reports and speculation. The main opposition United National Party (UNP) had also called for an investigation into the alleged incident. (Colombo Gazette)