Story about portfolios of Minister of Finance, Ravi and Kiriella's Ministry of Higher Education being suspended!
Political sources reveal that it was proposed to at the cabinet changes planned to be effected by the President a few days ago to remove Ravi Karunabnayaka from his position as Minister of Finance; this being a major change. This reshuffle has however been postponed until next March.
Though the President has tried to propose the name of Dr. Sarath Amunugama for the position of Minister of Finance, according to the agreement arrived at at the installation of the incumbent regime
as a coalition government and this position has been thus reserved for the UNP, it could not be put into effect and therefore it has been suggested to transfer the portfolio of the Minister of Finance to Prime Minister Ranil. Mr. Iran Wickramaratna has been proposed for the position of Deputy Minister of Finance. Instead of the portfolio of Minister of Finance, Ravi Karunanayaka is to be handed over the position of Minister of Ports and Shipping. As such, the Ministerial position of Arjuna Ranatunga who currently is in charge of that ministry will be changed.The President has also decided to effect a reformation in the position of Lakshman Kiriella who presently holds the position of Minister of Higher Education. Further, it has been also proposed to make an amendment in relation to the ministry to which Chandima Weerakkody is attached.