President Ranil Wickremesinghe takes control of environment portfolio

The Government has issued an extraordinary gazette placing Environment Ministry under the purview of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. 

The Gazette was issued by Secretary to President Saman Ekanayake on 12 October.

As per the Gazette, this decision comes after thorough consultation with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, in accordance with Article 44(3) of the Constitution. 

Previously, the portfolio of the Environment Ministry was held by the former Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Batticaloa District Member of Parliament Ahamed Naseer. However, he was disqualified as a Member of Parliament following a Supreme Court ruling. Against this backdrop, the President has taken the reins to assume direct control of the Ministry.