Cabinet to be limited to 35 ministers

According to an agreement between the UNP and SLFP, it is likely that the number of Cabinet Ministers of the new National Government will be limited to 35, political sources said.

Out of them, 19 Cabinet Ministerial Portfolios will be assigned to the UNP, while 16 Cabinet of Ministers will be appointed from the SLFP.

A special meeting was held yesterday (21) under the auspices of former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga to decide who will be named as ministers from the SLFP.

Subcommittee members appointed by the SLFP CC to oversee the basic proceedings of the National Government also attended the meeting.

According to reports, it is said that the UNP has decided to appoint Malik Samarawickrama, Sagala Ratnayake, Vajira Abeywardena, Thilak Marapana and Harin Fernando as cabinet ministers, in addition to those in the interim government.

Meanwhile, it has been suggested to appoint Karu Jayasuriya as the new Speaker.