News - Cabinet reshuffle likely next week

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Cabinet reshuffle likely next week

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is to cast aside astrological advice and reshuffle his Cabinet next week to ensure a ‘strong government’, highly -placed political sources said yesterday.

The move, according to these sources, has been prompted by recent political developments, including the crossover to the Government of two UNP parliamentarians.

Susantha Punchinilame, UNP parliamentarian for Ratnapura district, crossed over on Thursday and was sworn in as a deputy minister.

Anuradhapura district parliamentarian P.B. Ekanayake declared yesterday that he would cross over. A few more are expected to follow suit beginning next week, according to the sources.

The same sources said there was a likelihood of political parties now supporting the government joining it.

In such an event they are also to be offered portfolios.

On a weekend visit to Kandy, President Rajapaksa, these sources said, would take time to ponder over the various ministerial changes to be made.

The need for what is being described as a “stronger government” has arisen in view of sharp differences that have arisen between the Government and the opposition UNP. This was after President Rajapaksa decided to receive MPs crossing over to the Government.

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