Reshuffle likely after polls

President Maithripala Sirisena will opt for a ministerial reshuffle if required, soon after the February 10 polls, with the intention of accelerating economic progress, employment generation and fast tracking exports, Minister Lakshman Yapa said yesterday.

He told the SLFP news briefing that the expected Cabinet reshuffle will be target-oriented to address the current economic, social and political issues. When asked whether the President’s recent remarks at a political rally that he would take over the economic and financial management of the country this year, the minister said it would be carried out as predicted by President Sirisena. When asked whether he would change the portfolios of Finance and Planning and Industry, the minister said such a move was possible.

“I can’t say what portfolios will be changed. But I can only say that a Cabinet reshuffle is likely after the LG polls,” he said.

“We cannot hide the fact that the policies, vision and the mission of the UNP and the SLFP are different and sometimes confrontational. The SLFP is a centre-left party while the UNP is on the extreme right. But we, in the unity government will have to compromise when resolving issues within the government,” the minister said. The minister said the party had gained popularity among the voters after the President attended election rallies.