Dr. Karunaratne Paranawithana took oaths as the Acting Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government in front of President Maithripala Sirisena this morning.

He was appointed in place of Minister Faizer Mustapha, who is on a foreign trip.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Secretary to the President P.B. Abeykoon were also present on the occasion.