JVP condemns new ministerial appointments

By Chamodi Gunawardana

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) yesterday rejected the Government’s move to appoint two new deputy ministers and a state minister, insisting it was a violation of their mandate. 

JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva alleged new ministerial appointments were being made as frequently as weather changes in Sri Lanka and increasing public expenditure as a result. 

“People expected this Government would eliminate the excesses of previous administration. However President Maithripala Sirisena appointed new state and deputy ministers this week for his own interest. This was not the mandate given by the people,” he charged.

According to Silva, the total number of the ministerial portfolios was 92 which comprised of 47 Cabinet ministers, 20 State ministers and 25 deputy ministers. 

Silva also alleged the Government is following former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s regime by having a ‘Jumbo Cabinet’ without any concern over the Constitutional obstacles to create a massive Cabinet.

“The Constitution’s Article 46.1 says the total of Cabinet ministers should not exceed 30 and Article 46.1A says total of the State and deputies should limited to 40. However the Constitution also mentions in a situation of forming a National Government the total of ministerial positions can be decided by the Parliament,” he noted.

“The Government has taken the advantage of the Article relating to a National Government,” he claimed.

Giving examples of new ministerial appointments Silva alleged President Sirisena did not have scientific reasons to appoint them.

“United National Party (UNP) MP Palitha Thewarapperuma who was living within the Western Province had appointed as the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs. What was the scientific basic to handover Wayamba development to a Kalutara District politician?” he questioned.  

Silva further charged President Sirisena used new appointments to ‘extend the number of his loyalists’.  

“Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe asked the public to bear the economic crisis of the country, but they gave festival benefits for MPs who they wanted to head hunt. Appointing Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MP Manusha Nanayakkara who was known as a Rajapaksa backer as a Deputy Minister will be the ideal example to confirm my allegation,” he claimed.