Mini Cabinet reshuffle: SLPP expresses displeasure to President

October 23, 2023 at 4:31 PM

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has expressed displeasure over the mini Cabinet reshuffle that took place today, especially the removal of Keheliya Rambukwella as the Minister of Health.

Keheliya Rambukwella was appointed as the Minister of Environment, while Dr. Ramesh Pathirana replaced him as the new Minister of Health.

Commenting on the Cabinet reshuffle, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said that the changing of ministerial portfolios was a ‘wrong decision’ by the President, especially that of Keheliya Rambukwella. 

“Several allegations were raised against Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. But all those allegations were proven false. Maybe the President was of the opinion that it would be best to make a change under the current circumstances,” he told the media today. 

Kariyawasam said, however, that the SLPP has informed the President of its disappointment in the appointment of a Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) member as Health Minister.

“It is regrettable that such an appointment has been made as the President was able to form a government only through the support of a majority of SLPP members. Only five SLFP members have given their support to the President so far,” he said.

Kariyawasam said removing an SLPP MP and providing opportunities to two SLFP MPs was a wrong decision by the President. 

Emphasizing that the SLPP is unafraid to call out the President on his ‘wrong decisions’, Kariyawasam said the party has expressed strong displeasure over his decisions with regard to the Cabinet reshuffle. (NewsWire)