Sunday, November 20 2005 12:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Colombo: Sri Lanka's new President Mahinda Rajapakse yesterday (Nov 19, 2005) resigned from Parliament as he assumed his new office leaving the entire cabinet dissolved.

Rajapakse, 60, sent his letter of resignation from parliament after addressing the nation as the fifth executive head of state following the November 17 election, which he narrowly won.

With the resignation of Rajapakse from his post as Prime Minister the entire cabinet as well as ministry secretaries lose their jobs.

Rajapakse said he will appoint a new cabinet of ministers and name officials to head ministries shortly.

He said he will also present a brand new budget to replace the one presented by president Chandrika Kumaratunga's government 11 days ago.