The Cabinet reshuffle will be happening soon. No changes for the UNP
May 18, 2017
The much discussed Cabinet reshuffle will happen in a day or two, according to inside sources of the Government.
The Sri Lanka Freedom Party has been expressing their willingness to a Cabinet reshuffle despite the long standing opposition of the United National Party towards the move. The Sri Lanka Freedom Party is emphasizing on a reshuffle on several top ministerial posts including finance.
According to sources a decisive meeting was held yesterday at the President’s house. Among the participants were the President, Prime Minister and former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.
AT the meeting the Prime Minister has pointed out that a Cabinet reshuffle is unnecessary. But if the SLFP wants they can change ministerial portfolios held by their members.
He has emphasized the majority of the votes at the recent General elections were to the UNP and therefore the decision belongs to the UNP.
According to UNP sources its ministers and MPs see the urge for a Cabinet decision with doubt. They have insisted the Prime Minister not to go ahead of a Cabinet reshuffle. Majority of the UNP MPs are of the view that the SLFP is trying to create a chaos in their party through the reshuffle where they will attempt to grab strong ministerial portfolios held by UNP members and failing which appoint some other MPs of the UNP which would definitely lead to unwanted competition among the UNP members.
The Prime Minister has informed the President that it is best to head for a reshuffle in another six months, if it is really required. Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga has agreed to this suggestion and eventually the President had to agree.
The doubts have arisen as many SLFP members who worked for the victory of President Maithirpala Sirisena and appointed to ministerial posts are still act as supporters of the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The UNP inside sources say that it is these members who emphasize on an immediate reshuffle. They continue on a double image having a close relationship with the President while clandestinely supporting Mahinda Rajapaksa. This situation would surely create chaos within the Government eventually weakening the power. And this situation will be favourable for Mahinda Rajapaksa.
