President changes cabinet positions

President Maithripala Sirisena today effected changes in the cabinet by swearing ministers to the positions vacated by six cabinet ministers.

Accordingly, those sworn in were Minister Malik Samarawickrema  who was assigned the subjects of  Social Empowerment, Welfare and Kandyan Heritage held by S.B. Dissanayake. He was also sworn in as  Labour and Labour relations minister, a portfolio held by Minister John Amaratunga.

 Dr.  Sarath Amunugama was appointed as Skills Development and Vocational Training,  replacing Minister Chandima Weerakkody and also assigned the subject of  Science, Technology and Research which was earlier held by Susil Premajayantha.

 Ranjith Siyambalapitiya  was assigned the subject of  Disaster Management earlier held by Mr Anura Priyadhrashana Yapa  while  Faiszer Musthapha was assigned the Sports ministry which was earlier held by Dayasiri Jayasekara. 

They will be holding the new positions in addition to positions they are already holding.