Taking oaths by Ministers postponed till Thursday ....

Taking oaths by Ministers postponed till Thursday ....

   Cabinet -- 52 (UNP 35; SLFP 17)

   Deputy -- 30 (UNP 15; SLFP 15)

   State -- (UNP 03; SLFP 07)

As no final decision has been taken on to whom Minister portfolios would be granted in the new government, the swearing-in ceremony has been postponed till next Thursday (25). 

As such, a final decision on the number of Ministers was taken by last evening. Accordingly, it is supposed that Ministers would be taking their oaths divided as two sections next Thursday 27th and Friday 28th, political sources reveal. Various statistics came into light about the number of Ministers in the new government, and each party presented different figures. But according to the discussions that transpired between the Prime Minister and the President together, by last evening of 24th a final decision on the subjects to be allotted to Ministers have been arrived at. As such, 52 Cabinet Ministers are to be appointed. Of the 52, 35 would be allocated to the UNP and 17 to the SLFP. 30 Deputy Ministers would be appointed and 15 of them would be absorbed by the UNP while 17 would be taken by the SLFP. 10 State Minister portfolios would be allocated and 3 of such portfolios will be taken by the UNP while 7 is expected to be given to the SLFP. As such, the total number of Ministers would be 92 in number.