COLOMBO (News 1st); Several Opposition MPs have taken to questioning the President on his decision taken to appoint 37 new State Ministers, and MP Ajith P. Perera pointed out that although President Ranil Wickremesinghe has stated that he has learned his lessons from the People's Protests; the 'Aragalaya', he has now appointed 37 State Ministers. 

Speaking to media, MP Ajith P. Perera said that while there already is a Minister of Education, a State Minister of education was recently appointed, in addition to a State Minister of Higher Education and a State Minister of Piriven Education. 

Therefore, he said, that the President, who said that the public service must be subjected to a reduction, has appointed four Ministers for education itself. 

"The President, who said that the public service should be reduced, went ahead and appointed people who cannot do anything in their 60s, people who have been accused of corruption, people who have committed crimes against the aragalaya, people who have been accused by courts. He appointed 37 of them," he said.

Conversely, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MP State Minister Dilum Amunugama said that the 37 State Ministers were appointed to support the President in areas he thought were necessary.

Speaking at an SLPP press briefing, the MP said that the 37 State Ministers promised that they will continue to function without obtaining any special privileges or benefits.

Commenting on reports claiming that the President appointed the relevant State Ministers subject to conditions, the State Minister said that no conditions were stipulated by the President in appointing them.

• Sirisena apologizes to Easter Attacks victims; says will contest next Presidential Election
• CC calls for applications for Independent Commissions
• UPDATE: Peshawar mosque bomb attack kills 61, wounds 157
• Newsline: Sri Lanka – Struggling with equity 75 years later
• Release Wasantha! 12,000 affidavits handed over to Attorney General