Southern Provincial Councilor H.W. Gunasena was appointed as the Provincial Minister of Fisheries, Livestock, Environment, Electricity and Rural Industries, replacing D.V. Upul.

The apportionment letter was handed over to Gunasena by President Maithripala Sirisena a short while ago, the PMD said.

Upul was known as a supporter of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Gunasena is a former Chairman of the Angunakolapelessa Pradeshiya Sabha from 1997 to 2000. He is representing Hambantota District, as is D.V. Upul.