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8 contesting for 4 vacancies.... in SLFP Cabinet
Though it has been confirmed by now that of the 5 Ministerial Posts of the Cabinet which have been left vacant Malik Samarawickrema of the UNP is to be appointed as one of them. However, it is now reported that instead of the balance 4 who are supposed to be members of the SLFP, 8 are supposed
to be contesting. Names of A.H.M. Fowzie, Sarath Amunugama, Faizer Mustafa, Vijith Vijithamuni Soysa, Dilan Perera, Arumugam Thondaman, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena and Douglas Devananda of the EPDF are the names nominated for the Ministerial portfolios.The National Labour Congress and Kandurata Janatha Peramuna have expressed their opposition against Thondaman being given a Ministerial Post from among those nominated. It is reported that a leading Tamil Party from the North too is expressing their opposition against Douglas Devananda, leader of the EPDP. In the meantime, as 1 Muslim Minister portfolio has to be conferred, only one out of Fowzie and Faizer Mustafa would get the opportunity in this respect. What political sources reveal is that there is a bigger possibility for Fowzie losing the opportunity of becoming Minister and instead Faizer Mustafa would get that position. Discussions are taking place under various arguments about Amunugama, Vijithamuni, Dilan and Lakshman Yapa getting Minister portfolios among those referred to and because of certain sections of the United National Party creating protests, it has been not possible to come to a decision.
Ministers who would be appointed Cabinet Ministers which posts are still vacant would take their oaths tomorrow (9).