Chief Govt. Whip denies move to replace PM

‘Namal R qualified to hold ministerial portfolio’

Urban Development and Housing Minister and Chief Government Whip, Prasanna Ranatunga, has denied reports that the SLPP is planning to replace Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

Calling Gunawardena an experienced politician who had proved his capabilities, Ranatunga said that there was no need to replace him. The assurance was given at a simple ceremony at his ministry when Thenuka Widanagamage assumed duties as the State Minister for Urban Development and Housing.

Recently, SLPP rebel, Prof. Channa Jayasumana, told the Parliament that there was a move to replace Dinesh Gunawardena.

A statement issued by Urban Development and Housing Ministry quoted Minister Ranatunga as having said that they required State Ministers as Ministers found it difficult to handle various institutions assigned to a particular ministry. Minister Ranatunga said that there was no basis for accusations that appointments of State Ministers resulted in additional expenditure. If so, all lawmakers have to stop receiving salary and allowances, Minister Ranatunga said, pointing out that public servants receive salaries, and allowances, much more than them.

Minister Ranatunga said that JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake had received a ministerial post while Sri Lanka was experiencing an economic crisis.

Commenting on the Rajapaksas, Minister Ranatunga said the people had elected Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the November 2019 presidential election, as they wanted a system change. Minister Ranatunga said that Namal Rajapaksa was eligible for a Cabinet appointment as he polled the highest number of preferential votes in the Hambantota district, at the last general election. The Minister said that he didn’t know whether Namal Rajapaksa would accept a ministerial portfolio.

Minister Ranatunga said that former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa should decide whether to return to active politics. The future would decide whether the actions of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in his capacity as the President, were right, the Minister said (SF)