Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan opposed the move to increase the Cabinet, adding that it is against the principles of good governance.

Addressing the Parliament for the first time after being named Opposition Leader, Sampanthan pointed out that in India there were only 65 Ministers and 38 State Ministers despite the fact that the population of India is 1.2 billion.

Sampanthan also said that he accepts the post of Opposition Leader with humility and said that he will work closely with all parties.