Political Sphere Finally Seeing Some Light At The End Of Tunnel: But Still There are Potential Flash Points

February 19, 2018

The Sri Lankan political sphere engulfed in a crisis since the conclusion of the Local Government is finally seeing some light at the end of tunnel. 

Asian Mirror learns that President Maithripla Siriena has agreed to continue with UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as his Prime Minister. However, there will be a Cabinet reshuffle this week, and the UNP will work towards building its 'next generation of leaders'. 

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya will remain as the Speaker of Parliament. So will Nimal Siripala de Silva, who was the shadow Prime Minister of the SLFP at one point. 

The SLFP, After a discussion with President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat a short while ago, decided to remain in the government and support the President. This means the composition of the unity government will not change. However, it is still not clear whether there will be a coalition agreement between the SLFP and the UNP this time. 

But,  sharing of ministries between the two parties can still turn out to be another potential flash point. 

Although the SLFP may want more control over 'important ministries', their paltry numbers at the Local government elections have reduced their bargaining power. 

As the UNP has shown that the party s ready to continue government with or without the SLFP, the party will take an upper hand when it comes to negotiations for ministries.