 In 1994 he was elected to parliament from the Kalutara district, and was re-elected in subsequent elections held in 2000, 2001,2004 and 2010.During the period 2001 - 2004, he served as the Cabinet Minister of Employment and Labour.He was the Government Chief Whip from 2001–2004 and the Opposition Chief Whip from 2004 - 2006.