Cabinet to be limited to 30

Monday, 17 December 2018 03:31 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Eran insists that crossovers are welcome but shouldn’t come making demands
Says Cabinet should include senior parliamentarians, capable young members and represent all communities

Representing the majority view of the United National Party (UNP), Eran Wickramaratne yesterday said that the party membership wants the Cabinet to be limited to 30 members only, including crossovers.

Eran Wickramaratne

Speaking at a press briefing held in Temple Trees immediately after Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed the crowd, Wickremeratne said that although discussions for crossovers are ongoing, the majority view of the party is to limit the Cabinet to 30 members, noting that the Government should now maintain one voice and one direction.

“We have consulted our membership and supporters, and they maintain that we should limit the Cabinet to 30, and shouldn’t entertain crossover demands,” Wickremeratne said, insisting only those who are suitable for positions and are deserving of such positions should be awarded such.

Further, he insisted that the members should be devoid of conflicts of interest, corruption charges, and be disciplined in their conduct.

He added that the UNP is also focused on developing the local economy and local companies.

However, the Parliamentarian stressed that the 30 should include not only seniors, but also those who are capable of getting work done and representing all communities.

“We should move away from a market economy towards a more social market economy to ensure local businesses are protected. However, we do not advocate unnecessary protection, but we will not tolerate unfair competition in the country,” he said.

Taking the construction industry as an example, he said that many foreign companies engage in unfair bidding in Sri Lanka as they have a competitive advantage of having access to cheap labour.

“In those countries, there are no labour laws and employee benefit schemes they need to adhere to so they can have low rates, which should not be tolerated as it is hurting our industry as well,” he said.