Opposition raises concerns over cabinet reshuffle and budget allocations

• Says these changes were made after the presentation of the Appropriation Bill 2026 to Parliament, thereby creating legal complications

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

The recent Cabinet reshuffle has given rise to concerns over expenditure heads and asset allocation, the Opposition highlighted yesterday.

According to the changes, a new Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ports has been created, while two existing ministries have been renamed. The former Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation is now the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, and the Ministry of Housing and Construction has been renamed the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply. Additionally, several subjects and institutions have been reallocated among different ministries.

Opposition members pointed out that these changes were made after the presentation of the Appropriation Bill 2026 to Parliament, thereby creating legal complications.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Harsha de Silva noted that reallocating funds among expenditure heads and transferring assets requires proper legislative approval.

“These matters must be handled diligently, or they could lead to complications in the future,” Dr. de Silva cautioned.“While there may not be a technical issue, there is certainly a legal one. The new allocations must receive proper parliamentary approval,” he emphasised. In response, Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha said amendments to the expenditure heads would be introduced during the committee stage of the upcoming budget. “We will also issue circulars to relevant ministries and institutions, outlining how funds should be spent and how assets are to be distributed,” he assured.

Chief Government Whip Nalinda Jayatissa further downplayed the concerns, stating that the government would follow the precedents established in 2023 and 2024.