Prime Minister: Basil won’t be removed, accusations personal
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday (March 15) said that Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who is also the founder of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) wouldn’t be removed from the Cabinet of Ministers under any circumstances.
Premier Rajapaksa said so when The Island sought his response to the SLPP alternative group, comprising 11 political parties, campaigning against Finance Minister Rajapaksa. Ministers Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila, recently sacked from the Cabinet, have accused Minister Rajapaksa of pursuing an external agenda inimical to Sri Lanka.
The Premier said that only President Gotabaya Rajapaksa could appoint and remove ministers. The SLPP accommodated Basil Rajapaksa on its National List last July.
Prime Minister Rajapaksa alleged that accusations had been directed at the Finance Minister over personal issues and those who were campaigning against the Finance Minister should support the government efforts to solve the problems the people were beset with.
(Source: The Island – By Norman Palihawadana)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Imported milk powder price reduction uncertain amidst importers’ disagreement April 25, 2024
- Sri Lanka and Iran sign five agreements to boost bilateral relations April 25, 2024
- 12th International Meeting on Security Matters: High-Ranking officials convenes in Saint Petersburg April 24, 2024
- Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated April 24, 2024
- Damitha Abeyratne and husband granted bail April 24, 2024
Dear Sir,
You are a Statesman.
But your siblings and progeny are far behind.