COLOMBO, Aug 4: Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga on Wednesday resigned from her post as the leader of the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance.

The president's office in a brief statement said she was quitting the post of UPFA chief due to pressure of work.

A spokesman said that the president's resignation came after careful thought given by her to rising "work pressure".

"The decision was taken owing to the importance she needed as president, to give to matters of the state."