Fri, 29 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

UNP in a dilemma over ministerial portfolios

19 December 2018 05:02 am - 28     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The United National Party (UNP) is said to be facing a dilemma when it comes to preparing the list of Cabinet ministers because there are more aspirants than the number of slots available.

In the previous UNP-led national unity government, 32 of its members held Cabinet portfolios. However, the Cabinet has to now be restricted to 30 because it is no longer a unity government. Besides, the UNP leadership has decided to appoint MPs Ravi Karunanayake and Palitha Range Bandara as Cabinet ministers. They were not in the previous Cabinet.

Four members, who were ministers in the previous Cabinet, may have to stay away this time.
Party sources said MP Malik Samarawickrama, Mano Ganeshan and Rishad Bathiudeen have on their own offered not to take up Cabinet posts this time so that MPs Karunanayake and Range Bandara could be accommodated.

The list of the names will be sent for approval by President Maithripala Sirisena today as it could not be finalised yesterday. (Kelum Bandara)


Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 28

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • DJ Wednesday, 19 December 2018 06:12 AM

    This will definitely show how greed can be defeated in the countries interest

    Manel Wednesday, 19 December 2018 06:45 AM

    Rogues should not be given minister posts. Anyway rogues will be defeated at the next election.

    xxx Wednesday, 19 December 2018 06:48 AM

    One thing is very clear. The president has no moral right to hold any ministerial portfolio in this government.

    rew Wednesday, 19 December 2018 08:35 AM

    He has no right to demand any input on Ministerial positions, and this must be made clear to this maniac

    BUSHEL Wednesday, 19 December 2018 08:53 AM

    Ravi K has the superiorl rite to be a minister

    Dhammika Wednesday, 19 December 2018 06:49 AM

    RW is repeating the same mistakes again . Ravi K is NOT eligible fpr a cabinet position due to his involvement in the BOND scam .

    dulan Wednesday, 19 December 2018 08:51 AM

    Then not a single ex-Minister in Pohattuwa is eligible ever to be a Minister due to numerous scams they did

    Coconut Donkey Wednesday, 19 December 2018 12:16 PM

    Ravi K is the downfall of the UNP, RW probably can't get rid of him cos he has dirt on everyone. What a sad state of affairs.

    Rocky Wednesday, 19 December 2018 03:26 PM

    There is talk RW has a hand in it too. So he has to repeat the mistake.

    Jude Wednesday, 19 December 2018 06:55 AM

    Here's where Leadership come to play the role and leader must ask his MP's to tow the line !!! For the party sake!!!

    nsathees Wednesday, 19 December 2018 06:57 AM

    This shows clearly that the MP's are not to serve people but to serve them self. President should never agree to appoint RK until BOND scam is solved!

    ET Wednesday, 19 December 2018 07:03 AM

    Why not prosecute RK first ?

    upali Wednesday, 19 December 2018 07:05 AM

    This problem is further deepned with the decision of the president not to give ministerial posts to those who joined the gvt. from SLFP

    Jude Wednesday, 19 December 2018 07:09 AM

    CAN'T understand why RK getting prominence in the party!!!??? RK singlehandedly destroyed the party with his dumb moves!!! If you put a list of present currupted politicians, this guy Will easily make it to top 5 !!! He's nothing short of Diabolical !!!??

    Mili Wednesday, 19 December 2018 07:28 AM

    Bunch of incompetent bungling bond scammersGive government to SLPP we need to get to 7000 gdp capita fast and reduce poverty. Let thr Nelum Kuluna show us a way to a proud Sri Lanka

    Ramesh Wednesday, 19 December 2018 07:36 AM

    So RaviK is back in the government. What a shame. He's a proven crook. We the UNP voters who brought in the yahapalana government will lever forgive the leadership for this.

    Jude Wednesday, 19 December 2018 07:37 AM

    RW you must ask your MP's to act on consciousness!??? NOT been Greedy!!

    City Wednesday, 19 December 2018 08:38 AM

    It's not RW,its MS who is dragging the approval and has refused certain ministry positions to delay the appointments.

    Sunil Wednesday, 19 December 2018 07:38 AM

    Making selections from among the rogues.

    Fedi Wednesday, 19 December 2018 07:38 AM

    All we want is to sort your issues soon and deliver something good to the country. MR is in his last few years of politics. get him involve too if need be. MS is history now. let it be. Wishing you all the very best to overcome your mistakes and deliver something poor Sri Lankans deserve !!

    lakmal Wednesday, 19 December 2018 07:53 AM

    Ravi Karunanayake was so demented that he could not explain how he got money for the multi million rupee penthouse. I don't think he does have the moral authority to hold any cabinet position.

    Unchikun Wednesday, 19 December 2018 08:30 AM

    The selection and appointment should be done based on the needs of the country. 14 is enough for a small country like Sri Lanka. For example irrigation and power should come under one ministry. Yes, we have a minister for Sugar.

    Dperera Wednesday, 19 December 2018 08:47 AM

    Cat fight.

    Tinkiriya Wednesday, 19 December 2018 09:04 AM

    Here's a solution from the loophole of the 19th amendment. UNP forms a "Jaathika Aanduwa" like forming Ammagei Aanduwa and you can bypass the limit of ministers. Its simply as that.

    concern Wednesday, 19 December 2018 09:15 AM

    Regards to rk the blame goes to rw.

    SAM Wednesday, 19 December 2018 01:37 PM

    Can one non minister come forward and undertake the job of clearing the Meethotamulla dump yard and solve it for good?

    Lionel - UK Wednesday, 19 December 2018 05:12 PM

    For GOD'S please don't criticize someone who sacrificed everything to restore democracy in Sri Lanka. RK should be a Minister for sure!

    Jaliya Wednesday, 19 December 2018 05:20 PM

    The elephant logo of UNP, the elephant seems to have a defect in its front leg. Is that due to a railroad accident or simply an indication of "WE ARE A HANDICAPPED PARTY"


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H