Nimal Lanza and Arundika Fernando, two newly appointed Deputy Ministers, exchanged their portfolios within a few hours of taking oaths at the Presidential Secretariat.

Lanza was appointed Deputy Minister of Tourism and Christian Affairs while Fernando was appointed Deputy Minister of Home Affairs.

Following the exchange of portfolios, Lanza becomes the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Fernando becomes the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Christian Affairs.

The difficult relationship between Tourism and Christian Affairs Minister John Amaratunga and Nimal Lanza is believed to be the reason for this exchange.