Roshan Out! Sri Lanka's President sacks Sports Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st); The President removed Roshan Ranasinghe from the portfolios of Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs, and Minister of Irrigation. Later in the day, Ranasinghe vacated the Ministry.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe had handed over a letter to Roshan Ranasinghe noting that the latter had been removed from the portfolios of Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs, and Minister of Irrigation, with immediate effect, during the cabinet meeting that took place in Parliament.

The letter notes that the removal was done in accordance with the powers vested with the President as per article 47 (3) (a) of the constitution.

The article says "A Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers, a Minister who is not a member of the Cabinet of Ministers and a Deputy Minister, shall continue to hold office throughout the period during which the Cabinet of Ministers continues to function under the provisions of the Constitution unless he is removed from office under the hand of the President in consultation with the
Prime Minister."

After he was removed as a Minister, Roshan Ranasinghe visited the Sports Ministry and vacated the premises.

Earlier in the day, Roshan Ranasinghe made startling claims in the parliament, noting that he fears that he will be assassinated, as his life is at risk.

"The President, Sagala Ratnayake, others will have to be responsible for it, if it happens," he told the Parliament on Monday (27), in a special statement.

Note: This story was edited with updates