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16 for the cabinet swearing in today -- who will be the ministers?
After swearing in of Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new prime minister in the presence of president Gotabhaya Rajapaksa this afternoon (21) at 1, 16 MPs who function in parliament in the opposition, a caretaker government would take shape, it was revealed by political sources.
Though it was earlier reported that the number of ministers would total 15, as a fuss was made that
the SLFP required more,that figure had to be extended to 16. In a dialogue that ensued between leaders Gotabhaya, Mahinda and Maithripala ... it was decided to provide 4 ministers to the SLFP. Of those 4, one would be Maithripala Sirisena's portfolio which would be granted in due course. Under these circumstances, of the number of ministers who would be sworn in today, 3 would go to the SLFP from the 16 ministers.
the SLFP required more,that figure had to be extended to 16. In a dialogue that ensued between leaders Gotabhaya, Mahinda and Maithripala ... it was decided to provide 4 ministers to the SLFP. Of those 4, one would be Maithripala Sirisena's portfolio which would be granted in due course. Under these circumstances, of the number of ministers who would be sworn in today, 3 would go to the SLFP from the 16 ministers.
In the days ahead, after parliament convenes, when UPFA member of parliament Malith Jayatilleka would be leaving his position, after Maithripala Sirisena takes his oaths as a member of parliament, he is expected to be provided with a portfolio as state minister. Of the 16 who are to be sworn in today, 3 would be acquired by the SLFP while the balance 13 and one from each party who joined the alliance in support of Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna will be given the opportunity.
As the subjects to be allotted to these ministers was under preparation even till last night, the said list could be reported by us by this afternoon. According to reports available today, the following are the parties and individuals expected to acquire the ministerial portfolios:
Dayasiri Jayasekera (SLFP)
Nimal Siripala de Silva (SLFP)
Mahinda Amaraweera (SLFP)
Dinesh Gunawardena (MEP)
Udaya Gammanpila (PHU)
Wimal Weerawansha (NFF)
Vasudeva Nanayakkara (DLF)
Douglas Devananda (EPDP)
Athureliye Rathana Thero (Vijayadharani)
Arumugam Thondaman (CWE)
One from Sri Lanka Mahajana Party
One from Sri Lanka Communist Party
One from Lanka Samasamaja Party
One from Tamil Eelam Liberation Front
One from Tamil Progressive Alliance