Other parties can join govt. – PM … but no ministerial posts for them

by Norman Palihawadane

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday extended an open invitation to all minor and minority parties to join the government to serve the country.

“They could join us and be partners of developing this country and be proud of it. However, they would not be given any ministerial portfolios in return,” Premier Rajapaksa told The Island.

He said some minor and minority parties had expressed their willingness to join the government but none of them had so far made an official request.

“If there is any such request we will consider accommodating them in the government but not on their conditions. The people have given us a clear mandate and nobody can dictate terms to us.”