Maithri left hanging as no decision on ’senior position’ post

No decision has been taken as yet to offer a 'senior position' post to former President Maithripala Sirisena in the SLPP government although it was earlier reported that he had asked for a post in par to a deputy prime ministerial position once the new 20th Amendment is brought in.

The Daily Mirror learns that some ministers had objected to a senior position being offered to the former President although Sirisena himself is expecting a higher position once the new constitution comes into force.

A senior government source said that initially it was being considered to bring in a new provision in the 20th Amendment which would offer Sirisena a position higher than that of a minister just like in Singapore, but no discussions have taken place to include such a provision in the new amendment.

The senior source said that although the SLFP had requested for five ministerial portfolios in the new cabinet, this was rejected by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa who however offered them two portfolios.

Sirisena, had then informed his party that the two portfolios would be handed to two senior SLFP MPs and he himself would receive a higher position once the new amendment comes in.

The senior source however said no such discussions had taken place to create such a position for the former President as this was being objected to by several ministers. (JAMILA HUSAIN)