Navin Dissanayake hints at increasing the number of cabinet ministers

Colombo (News1st): Minister of Plantation Industries Naveen Dissanayake assumed duties at the Ministry today (December 20) following religious observances. Speaking at the event he stated that 29 ministers were sworn in today and they hope that Sarath Fonseka and Palitha Range Bandara will also receive ministerial portfolios in the future. He added that they are also hoping that Wijith Wijayamuni Zoysa, Lakshman Seneviratne and Indika Bandaranayake who made so many sacrifices in the SLFP, will receive ministerial portfolios. Minister Dissanayake noted that the entered into an agreement with the UPFA following the election to form a national Government and a resolution in this regard was passed in parliament. He noted that the SLMC was also a signatory of this resolution. Dissanayake believes that they will be able to enter into an agreement with the SLMC once again, form a national Government and extend the Cabinet to over 30 members. Minister Dissanayake noted that have sought advice from the Attorney General in this regard. UPFA MP (Dr.) Ramesh Pathirana stated that there is no legal premise to create a national government since the proposals were rejected. He noted that in the coming few days the UNP is planning to a table a proposal in Parliament, to create a national government with one Parliamentarian from the SLMC. MP Pathirana pointed out that a main political party cannot create a national government along with one other party.