Actor turned politician Cletus Mendis who resigned from the PA candidature for Colombo and left the country on Saturday, in his resignation letter to President Chandrika Kumaratunga said:

"Although I never expected to write a letter of this nature to you I had to take a clear and straightforward decision according to my conscience.

In 1994 people voted for the People’s Alliance under your leadership in expectation of a new political culture and rapid development of the country. For the last seven years the People’s Alliance was not able to make those expectations a reality. Because of that a large number of progressive leaders deserted us. But some confidence I had in you made me remain and contest the general election on the People’s Alliance list.

However I realised that the election campaign of the People’s Alliance is also full of lies and corruption which marked the last seven year rule. Therefore my conscience does not allow me to further remain as a candidate of the People’s Alliance. I herewith resign from the People’s Alliance and the candidature for Colombo.

Also I request all those who supported me in the campaign to think deeply about to whom they are going to hand over the future of this country.

I apologise for not being able to carry out certain development work I promised you. I would finally like to say that this decision was taken for the well-being of all of you."