Mangala, Ravi K tussle for Finance Minister post

Ravi Karunanayake	Mangala Samaraweera

Heavyweights Mangala Samaraweera and Ravi Karunanayake are alleged to be fighting over the key Finance Ministry portfolio whilst political analysts claim it would not be a surprise if either fails to secure it. Karunanayake is keen to regain the once lost portfolio though he also briefly held the Foreign Minister title. Given the speculation, sections of civil society have been strongly opposed to returning the Finance Ministry portfolio to Karunanayake. Samaraweera, who took over the Finance Ministry after initially serving as Foreign Minister, had managed the former portfolio well according to some but others maintain he had not met expectations.  

The former coalition partner SLFP ministers had also complained that their constituencies did not get Gamperaliya funding on a timely basis. 

Despite reservations over both MPs, their backers maintain that the duo offer the best option for the Finance Ministry portfolio. Likely friction may force UNP leadership to look for an alternative, insiders say, whilst noting that President Maithripala Sirisena’s blessings would be required as well. 

The announcement of a new Cabinet is likely to be made either on Wednesday or later in the week.