President finally implements much speculated reshuffle

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday reshuffled his Cabinet of Ministers.

 According to the President’s Media Division, Prof. G. L. Peiris was appointed the new Foreign Minister and Dinesh Gunawardena the new Education Minister following the implementation of the reshuffle after days of speculation.

 Pavithra Wanniarachchi, who served as the Health Minister, has been appointed the Minister of Transport. Keheliya Rambukwella is the new Minister of Health. Dallas Alahapperuma, who was the Power Minister has been appointed the Minister of Media.

Accordingly, seven ministerial portfolios have been changed as follows: Prof. G. L. Peiris – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dinesh Gunawardena – Minister of Education,

Pavithra Wanniarachchi – Minister of Transport, Keheliya Rambukwella – Minister of Health, Gamini Lokuge – Minister of Power, Dullas Alahapperuma – Minister of Mass Media, Namal Rajapaksa – Minister of Development Coordination and Supervision (in addition to Youth Affairs and Sports).

Dullas being a former frontline newspaper man, especially during the difficult late 80s, he is back on familiar grounds.