MR appointed as PM of JO Shadow Cabinet

The Joint Opposition yesterday appointed a Shadow Cabinet which gathered for the first time on Parliamentary premises and selected former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as its Prime Minister.

In addition Rajapaksa was given the ministerial position of Defence, Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs while Joint Opposition Leader MP Dinesh Gunawardena was appointed as the Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs. 

Former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa has been appointed as the Transport and Aviation Minister while MP Namal Rajapaksa was named as Foreign Affairs Minister.

The Law and Order Minister position was given to MP Udaya Gammanpila while MP Bandula Gunawardena was appointed as the Minister of Finance.

MP Dallas Alahapperuma has been appointed as the Education Minister and the Port and Naval Ministerial post went to MP Kumara Welgama. 

Meanwhile, MP Gamini Lokuge was named as the Labour Minister while MP S.M. Chandrasena was appointed as Rural Industries Minister. MP Ranjit Soysa was appointed as the Local Government and Provincial Council Minister. 

The Shadow Cabinet concept is a feature of the Westminster System of Government which is prominently seen in the UK and some other countries, including several countries outside the Commonwealth.

It consists of a senior group of opposition members of Parliament who, under the leadership of the Leader of the Opposition, form an alternative Cabinet to that of the Government. Members of the Shadow Cabinet shadow or mark each individual member of the Cabinet. They closely monitor the activities of current Ministries relevant to their appointment.

The Joint Opposition Shadow Cabinet is comprised of 50 Joint Opposition MPs.