Cabinet may delayed as discussion drag

17 December 2018 08:34 am - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The swearing-in of Cabinet Ministers is likely to be delayed since discussions were still underway on the assignment of portfolios to MPs joining the Government from the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), sources said last afternoon.

Initially, the United National Party (UNP) wanted to entertain only 10 MPs from the UPFA. However, party sources told the Daily Mirror yesterday that 21 UPFA MPs were ready to team up with the new Government.

As a result, they said the Government had been unable so far to decide on the Ministries to be assigned to them.

“The UNP will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) to form a national government enabling it to increase the Cabinet to more than 30 members,” the source said.

“Otherwise, the Cabinet has to be restricted to 30 in keeping with the 19th Amendment to the Constitution,” the source said.

The national government means the one formed by the party with the highest number of seats in Parliament in alliance with another party.

President Maithripala Sirisena said that the UPFA would not join hands with the UNP though he would not oppose any of his MPs joining the new government individually.

Accordingly, the UNP has decided to tie up with the SLMC.

There is one MP- Ali Zahir Moulana- elected to Parliament on the SLMC. The five other SLMC members were elected on the UNP ticket.

Besides, Parliament has to pass a resolution with a simple majority to exceed the Cabinet more than 30.(Kelum Bandara)

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Comments - 13

Gihan Monday, 17 December 2018 08:45 AM

So, looks like business as usual for the new ministers getting their perks at the state's expense!

Leel Monday, 17 December 2018 11:58 AM

It seems that Ranil did Not change. Try to pass through constitution loop holes.

Observer Monday, 17 December 2018 01:37 PM

This is what they call prajathantara wadaya, if you don't understand yet.

Nish Monday, 17 December 2018 09:03 AM

I can't believe this. Honestly, what is wrong with these UPFA guys? Now they want to join UNP to get minister posts in that government. Weren't they bitter enemies before yesterday. This is the problem in Sri Lanka. Greedy corrupt politicians changing sides sooner than a speed of a rocket. If there is a change of Gvt tomorrow, they will join that Gvt irrespective of their party allegiances.God bless SL.

elmi Monday, 17 December 2018 12:27 PM

UNP is equally bad in entertaining them just to be in power. All politicians are the same

cineha Monday, 17 December 2018 09:14 AM

In case RK is appointed as Minister of Finance then UNF has not yet reformed or learnt it lessons still.....he could have any other portfolio but not the Finance....let us see ....

Jude Monday, 17 December 2018 09:26 AM

This is the most Ridiculous thing ever!!! Some UPFA members twisting and turning where the power is, like a Tree in the middle of the field!!! Huh!! When will this shameful act END!! ???

Mark Monday, 17 December 2018 09:26 AM

Not again , no more SLFP's in the govt'. What will happen to those MP's who stood by the party post 26th Oct period. Once bitten twice shy. Never entertain those SLFP guys.

Vernon Monday, 17 December 2018 09:29 AM

Joining with ONE party does not entitle the UNP to form a national government. Regulations says joining with "parties" and not "a party". Any one joining is not for the benefit of the people (as it will cost more to the public) but purely for their individual benefit. Such fellows should be noted and physically kicked out at the next election.

Jude Monday, 17 December 2018 09:37 AM

This has to END!!! MP's allegiance up for grabs FOR the Highest Bidder!!!??

Unchikun Monday, 17 December 2018 11:25 AM

This was called "Horse Trading". May I call this "Dinosaurs Trading". Same on all 255.

Citizen Perera Monday, 17 December 2018 11:42 AM

If UPFA MPs joins the present government...MS might try to do the same thing what he has done before...be careful..

Aki Monday, 17 December 2018 01:23 PM

Enough is enough.we are against unity government.

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Cabinet may delayed as discussion drag

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