Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 23 effected the primary reshuffle of his Cabinet, altering the portfolios of two Ministers, amidst criticism from the Opposition that he was planning to postpone elections which are due within the cash-strapped country subsequent yr.

Significantly, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was moved to the Environment Ministry following weeks of public dissatisfaction together with his dealing with of the Ministry.

Mr. Rambukwella, 69, survived a movement of no-confidence in Parliament moved towards him by the Opposition to spotlight inefficiency, corruption and mismanagement within the Ministry’s conduct.

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Mr. Rambukwella a fortnight again had ordered a police investigation into an Indian firm’s alleged provide of a substandard drug. The Indian firm had nonetheless denied such a provide to a Sri Lankan importer.

The Environment Ministry was held by Mr. Wickremesinghe himself when the incumbent got here to be disqualified as a Member of Parliament by means of a court docket order.

The Health Ministry has been now put beneath Ramesh Pathirana, a health care provider along with being the Minister of Industries.

Mr. Wickremesinghe’s motion for a minor reshuffle got here because the Opposition mounted criticism that he was planning to postpone the main elections due for subsequent yr.

However, Mr. Wickremesinghe harassed on Sunday that each Presidential and Parliamentary elections can be held subsequent yr as per the constitutional stipulation.