Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Thursday gave an explanation as to why a position named ‘State Minister’ was introduced to the government.

Speaking at a seminar at Public Library, Colombo, he claimed that the title was introduced so that Ruwan Wijewardena could be given a ministerial portfolio. Wijewardena is a relative of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Anura Dissanayake added that the State Minister position should be constitutionally removed.

A Minister could have a Deputy Minister, who can act on behalf of the minister when he is away. They could also work together in agreement, Dissanayake said. “But, why are State Ministers appointed?” he asked.

Dissanayake further lashed out at the manner in which ministerial portfolios are assigned in the ‘national government.’ He criticized the definition of the present ‘national government’ and asked how a government with the participation of only the two biggest parties in parliament could be termed a ‘national government.’

He also asked as to how can there be 45 ministers and 55 deputy ministers in a national government.