President in consultation on selecting Cabinet and ensuring stable govt

As President Gotabaya Rajapaksa holds consultations to finalise the Cabinet of ministers and ensure a stable government  Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe named committees are studying fuel, gas, medicine and fertilizer situation aimed at ending shortages.

President Rajapaksa is due to meet with the Parliamentary groups of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna today morning to discuss their arrangements in Parliament which is scheduled to meet on Tuesday and take up a vote of confidence and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya no-confidence motion against the President.

The selection of a Deputy Speaker is also due to take place on Tuesday. The Prime Minister during a meeting with some of the parliamentarians has said that the MPs should try to reach a consensus on filling the Deputy Speaker’s position, instead of a vote. 

He has called on the parties to look into the possibility of naming a female deputy Speaker. 

The moves come as the President in consultation with the Prime Minister was selecting members of the cabinet after the 11 parties who have identified themselves as an independent group and the SJB turned down any cabinet positions. 

However, there was speculation that some of the SJB members will join the Cabinet of Premier Wickremesinghe.

The SLPP and the independent group have ensured the stability of the government with the SLPP saying it would support the government under Mr Wickremesinghe while safeguarding the right of independence.  The 11 party independent group say it will support the government based on each issue. 
Meanwhile, the Committees appointed by the Prime Minister have commenced consultations with the respective trade associations and officials to find solutions to fuel, gas, medicine and fertilizer shortages.

Former Ministers in the Yaha Palana government are heading these committees. Vajira Abeywardena and Palitha Range Bandara have been directed to place proposals on providing essential food items without a shortage after consultations with officials and trade associations.

Mr Abeywardena told Timesonline that consultations will be held with importers today. 

Former minister Mr Ruwan Wijewardena has been directed to put forward solutions on minimizing medicine shortages while former minister Mr Akila Viraj Kariyawasam has been told to report on the fertilizer shortage in the country.

Former Minister Sagala Ratnayake is looking into the issue of shortage of fuel and gas.