Prez to roll Ministers amidst worsening health crisis

12 August 2021 09:08 am Views - 202

• Some of the key ministries likely to change heads are Health, Power, Media, Education, Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Plantation
• Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi to be switched with Plantations Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana
• Education Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris will switch his Ministry with Foreign Affairs Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. Dullas Allahapperuma will likely be sworn in as the Media Minister while Keheliya Rambukwella with get either Power or Plantation

By JAMILA HUSAIN   

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is likely to reshuffle his Cabinet next week, amidst a worsening health crisis.   

Some of the key ministries who are likely to change heads are Health, Power, Media, Education, Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Plantation. According to political sources, the Cabinet reshuffle was planned for this week, but amidst a worsening health crisis, it has been pushed back to next week.   

The reason for the sudden reshuffle is the clash at decision-making levels at some of these key ministries. Political sources said that Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi will be removed and given another ministry while Plantations Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana will be sworn in as the Health Minister.   

Education Minister Professor G. L. Peiris will switch his Ministry with Foreign Affairs Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. Dullas Allahapperuma will likely be sworn in as the Media Minister while Keheliya Rambukwella with get either Power or Plantation. Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga also is likely to be changed and received another portfolio. Sources said that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had requested for a delay in the Cabinet reshuffle amidst the worsening pandemic.   

 

• Minister Prasanna Ranatunga is also likely to be changed
• Reason for the sudden reshuffle is the clash at decision-making levels at some of these key ministries