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Reggie
out; Arjuna in and Anura so-so
In what was reported to be a mix-up at the Presidential Office, Reggie Ranatunga was earlier to have been sworn in as Governor, but instead, President Kumaratunga had sworn in Dharmadasa Wanniaratchchi, father of Samurdhi Minister Pavitra Wanniaratchchi. Reggie Ranatunga yesterday confirmed that he was ear-marked for the Governor's job but denied that he had actually gone to President's House accompanied by his family for the swearing-in ceremony. He told The SundayTimes that his visit to see President Kumaratunga was to discuss some party matters. He had, however, been present at President's House when his son, former national cricket captain Arjuna, took his oaths later in the week after earlier boycotting the swearing-in as a deputy minister because a promise to make him Minister of Sports had been broken. The swearing-in came after weeks of discussions within the PA on how to settle the Arjuna Ranatunga issue. He has been assured he would be made chairman of a Parliamentary Select Committee that would formulate a national sports policy. Industries, Tourism and Investment Minister Anura Bandaranaike had, in the meantime, made inquiries from another Deputy Minister whether he would like to fill the vacancy, and that Deputy is reported to have agreed. Mr. Bandaranaike is said to have indicated to President's House that he was looking for a Deputy Minister other than Arjuna Ranatunga, but the President is said to have relented, especially after not giving Reggie Ranatunga the Governorship. According to reports, Arjuna Ranatunga has been asked to get himself an appointment to see his Minister Anura Bandaranaike. |
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