At least three SLFP MPs on cabinet list

28 cabinet portfolios and 40 state ministerial portfolios will be handed out on Wednesday  

• Former President Maithripala Sirisena, Mahinda Amaraweera and Nimal  Siripala De Silva have been entered into the list of cabinet ministers

By Jamila Husain  

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party will receive at least three portfolios as former President Maithripala Sirisena, Mahinda Amaraweera and Nimal Siripala De Silva have been entered into the list of cabinet ministers, the Daily Mirror learns.  

The SLFP has been eagerly waiting to see how many portfolios the party will receive after they agreed to sit in the government ranks with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna who won a landslide victory in the August 5 General Election.  

Senior political sources said that former President Sirisena is being considered for two portfolios.  

In addition to the three SLFP MPs who are on the list of cabinet ministers, SLPP MPs who have also entered the list are Dinesh Gunawardena, Pavithra Wanniarachchi and Keheliya Rambukwella who is likely being considered for the Media portfolio.  Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, in addition to Finance will also retain the Housing Ministry.   
Newcomer Nalaka Godahewa is also being considered for a state ministerial position most likely that of economic development.  However President Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa are yet to finalise the cabinet ministers and state ministers and will reach a final decision today.  The President’s Office yesterday said that 28 cabinet portfolios and 40 state ministerial portfolios will be handed out when the ministers and state ministers take oaths in Magul Maduwa in Kandy on Wednesday morning.   The cabinet portfolios will be distributed among 26 ministers based on a decision taken by the President and Prime Minister.  Sources in the President’s Office said deputy ministerial slots will be handed over on a separate date. 

• SLPP MP Keheliya Rambukwella is likely being considered  for the Media portfolio