Cabinet size increase: Debate today

3 September 2015 01:18 am

A resolution calling for the enlargement of the Cabinet in the proposed ‘national unity government’ will be debated in parliament today, it is learnt.

According to the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, parliamentary approval is needed to increase the Cabinet to more than 30 members in event of a national government being formed. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will move the resolution for debate, as earlier requested by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) .

Government sources said parliamentary approval would be sought to increase the number of Cabinet members to 48. Of these, 14 portfolios will be offered to members of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), and the rest will go to the United National Party (UNP).

The government also intends to appoint 45 deputy and state ministers.

In the meantime, the Cabinet will be sworn in tomorrow. Discussions were underway even yesterday to finalise details.

The SLFP has not submitted the names of its intended Cabinet ministers. (Kelum Bandara)