18 April 2022 11:35 am
Former several key cabinet ministers including Johnston Fernando, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Bandula Gunawardane, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Dullas Allahapperuma, Gamini Lokuge, Pavithra Wanniarachchi and Keheliya Rambukwella were not included in the new cabinet of ministers who were sworn in today.
Also, none of the members of the Rajapaksa family including Chamal Rajapaksa and Namal Rajapaksa who were cabinet ministers previously were appointed in the new cabinet.
Meanwhile, Prasanna Ranatunga, Dilum Amunugama, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Douglas Devananda and Dinesh Gunawardena who served as cabinet ministers previously have been appointed as cabinet ministers today.
Following the mass resignation of the Cabinet ministers, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on April 4 named four ministers, until a full Cabinet is appointed.
Accordingly, Dinesh Gunawardena was sworn in as the Minister of Education and Chief Government Whip Johnston Fernando was sworn in as the Minister of Highways.
Former Justice Minister Ali Sabry was sworn in as the Minister of Finance, while Prof. GL Peiris was re-appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
However, only Ali Sabry and G.L. Peiris are to remain in their portfolios while Johnston Fernando was removed in the new cabinet and Dinesh Gunawardena was appointed as minister of Public Administration, Internal Affairs, and Provincial Councils & Local Government.
Even though it was reported that junior MPs would get Cabinet portfolios in the new Cabinet, only Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon was appointed as a minister and in addition, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) MP Naseer Ahamed was appointed Minister of Environment.
Meanwhile, State Ministers Nalaka Godahewa,Channa Jayasumana,Kanchana Wijesekera,Thenuka Vidanagamage,Kanaka Herath, Vidura Wickramanayake, Janaka Wakkumbura, Shehan Semasinghe,Mohan Priyadarshana De Silva, Wimalaweera Dissanayake and Kanchana Wijesekera recieved Cabinet portfolios in the new Cabinet.
However, no female representation was seen in the latest cabinet. (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya and Ajith Siriwardana)