JVP ministers likely to be sworn in this week

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 14 April 2004, 15:43 GMT]
The four Cabinet rank ministers and other four deputy ministers of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) are likely to be sworn in on Thursday or Friday as all disputes between the JVP and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), regarding the allocation of subjects under the ministries designated for them have been patched up for now, political sources said.

The SLFP and JVP are the two major constituents of the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA). The JVP boycotted the swearing in ceremony of 31 ministers and 31 deputy ministers held last week in protest over the removal of important subjects under the ministries designated to them, sources said.

The JVP leaders further told the President, Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunge, that she should consult them before making any appointments to ministries that come under the JVP.

In response, Ms. Kumaratunge appointed a five-member committee with the Prime Minister, Mr.Mahinda Rajapakse, as its chairman to find an amicable solution to problems raised by the JVP leadership.

The committee held discussions with the JVP leaders during the last few days and at last was able to reach some consensus over vital issues, paving the way for the designated JVP ministers to take oaths in a day or two, political sources said.