Breaching Cabinet responsibility may-have caused Roshan’s Removal: Bandula

The Cabinet spokesman, Bandula Gunawardena Commenting on the abrupt removal of the Sports Minister, Roshan Ranasinghe, said that cabinet collective responsibility should be maintained.

He explained that cabinet Ministers should adhere to collective responsibility within the cabinet and breach of that could affect the function of the cabinet and lead to removal. 

He added that the cabinet Ministers are there to discuss the issues of the government and find solutions. Yet if the government can not solve such issues it is unlikely that the opposition which does not have power to resolve such issues.

Cabinet Spokesman Minister Gunawardena that the members of the cabinet should act responsibly as there is a set of responsibilities and traditions within the cabinet.

He explained that whatever powers are vested on any minister that minister should have informed the cabinet of his actions. 

The President Ranil Wickremesinghe. according to the powers vested in him in accordance to the constitution has removed Roshan Ranasinghe from Sports Ministry after requesting for information claiming that it is difficult to operate the cabinet with him . 

“The president has the power to change the Ministers, decide on Ministries allocated Ministers, Therefore no one could question his move”he said . 

He added therefore when cabinet responsibility is breached even former president’s too remove cabinet Minister. 

“As the spokesman I would only relate and share the cabinet documents prepared and given to me with the media at the press briefing. Cabinet is a secret meeting”, he said.

He added that what happens within the cabinet meeting could not be told outside or at the Parliament, it is difficult to operate such a cabinet if collective responsibility is breached .