Finance, Mass Media to Mangala -- Electricity to Ravi -- Health to Rajitha 28 ministerial posts tomorrow

Finance, Mass Media to Mangala -- Electricity to Ravi -- Health to Rajitha 

28 ministerial posts tomorrow

As President Maithripala Sirisena is expected to travel overseas tomorrow (20) night, cabinet of the new government is to be sworn in before that ... early tomorrow morning, political sources report. Accordingly, 28 ministers will be taking heir oaths tomorrow morning at

8.30, it is reported.

Under the new cabinet, Mr. Mangala Samaraweera will be given the post of Finance and Mass Media, Mr. Ravi Karunanayaka the position of Electricity and Power and Energy, Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka as

minister of Ports and Shipping, Mr. Champika Ranawaka, Megapolis and Western Region Development and Mr. Rajitha Senaratna as minister of Health, it is reported.

There were in fact 36 names in the list of names proposed to President claiming ministerial positions and though it was reported that 4 MPs who volunteered to cross over to UNP from SLFP, namely, Lakshman Seneviratna, Vijith Wijithamuni Soysa, Piyasena Gamage and H.M. Fowzie, they have not been approved by President. Apart from them, members of parliament Sarath Fonseka and Palitha Range Bandara whose names were proposed by the UNP were disregarded by President.

It was because of continuous issues between President Maithri and UNP concerning appointment of ministers that it was delayed till tomorrow (20). Steps were taken to appoint the ministers somewhat early in the morning after the proposed 36 names were directed this afternoon (19) because of the necessity of settling the inactivity of the country rather soon and because the President is to travel abroad tomorrow afternoon.

Though the name of Ravi Karunanayaka who was removed from the former coalition government as minister of Finance was proposed by Prime Minister Ranil, the President has not given a positive response in that respect. Instead it was suggested that that position be offered to Mangala and for Ravi to be given the ministry of Electricity. The President has also said that it is not possible to work with Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka whom President alleges is linked to an attempt on his life. The President was hurt about Fonseka calling the former as "President is a fool" in the presence of the media somewhere close to October 26th when the change of Premiership was launched.

At the time when the new ministers will be taking their oaths in the presence of Mr. Maithripala Sirisena tomorrow (20) morning, a rough list containing subjects designated to the ministers will be announced, it is reported. It is also reported that Sri Lanka Police attached to Law and Order coming under the purview of the President and Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and Lake House coming under Mass Media have come under his purview.