Harin to be Uva Chief Minister?

Wednesday, 14 January 2015 00:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The promised upheaval at the Uva Provincial Council finally happened yesterday, with 17 members of the provincial assembly appealing to the Governor to name Harin Fernando chief minister.

Shashendra Rajapaksa, the son of Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, presently holds the post of Chief Minister, while the UPFA held a majority in the Uva Council. However by yesterday, the UPFA had lost its majority and can now command only 15 seats in the 34 seat council. The UNP previously had 12 members after one provincial legislator crossed over to the UPFA before the presidential poll. However, yesterday five UPFA members pledged support to Fernando and President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday. The JVP also has two seats turning the UPFA into a minority government in the Uva Provincial Council. (DB)