President - PM - UNP To Hold Another Round Of Talks On Cabinet Reshuffle: "Negotiations May Not Be A Smooth Process"

February 20, 2018

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and UNP seniors are likely to hold another round of discussions today with President Maithripala Sirisena on the proposed Cabinet reshuffle. 

Informed government sources said drastic changes to the Cabinet would be introduced with this reshuffle. 

However, they added that the large majority of ministries held by the UNP would still remain with the party. 

"The SLFP will not be in a position to take over the ministries held by the UNP. However, the ministries will be shuffled among the members of the same party," a senior government spokesman said. 

He admitted that the negotiations between the two parties for the cabinet reshuffle might not be a smooth process. 

He said no final decision had been made to place the Ministry of Law and Order under former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka. 

"Several parties have raised concerns over Fonseka's appointment. Appointing a former Army Commander to control the Police can be a controversial move," he added.

He said a final decision on the matter would be made after discussions with President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe.