Colombo, November 19 (Daily Mirror) - In a departure from the practice of the previous rules, the new government has decided to scrap the concept of state ministers but will proceed with the appointment of 26-28 deputy ministers instead within a day or two, a minister said yesterday.

Newly sworn-in Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa told Daily Mirror that the appointment of deputy ministers would take place shortly. He said state ministers would not be appointed as outlined in the policy manifesto presented to the country ahead of the elections.

Asked whether deputy ministers would be appointed for some Cabinet portfolios but not for all.

He also said the Ministry Secretaries would also be shuffled, reappointed or newly appointed, but the final decision had not yet been taken.

The government has, however, decided to retain Mahinda Siriwardana as the Finance Secretary.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath who was reappointed Foreign Minister assumed duties yesterday. Dr. Jayatissa said he would start work in his office today.