Colombo: A new 17-member cabinet has been appointed in Sri Lanka amid political turmoil. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is the only member of the family in President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s cabinet. The number of cabinet members has increased to 20, including three ministers who took charge earlier. All but 5 of them are newcomers.
Mahinda’s son and Youth Sports Minister Namal is among those excluded. The cabinet was expanded after the opposition rejected the proposal for a national government that would include all parties.
Gotabhaya said the government has a responsibility to lead the country to prosperity and implement economic reforms that are in line with the aspirations of the younger generation. The Sri Lankan team in the United States also began talks on Monday with loan officials from the International Monetary Fund.
The power cut, which was relaxed to celebrate the New Year, has been restored. Sri Lanka IOC raises petrol and diesel prices again Petrol is currently priced at Rs 338 per liter and diesel at Rs 289 per liter.
Meanwhile, a magistrate’s court has again extended the travel ban on former central bank governor Ajit Cabral. The verdict came in a public interest petition alleging that the governor had financially ruined the country in the wake of the IMF talks and should not be allowed to leave the country.
English Summary: Sri Lanka president Gotabaya Rajapaksa appoints new cabinet