Eight more Cabinet Ministers were appointed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for the new Government formed under the Premiership of Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday.
They were appointed under the third stage where 13 Ministers have already been appointed on two previous occasions.
Accordingly, the number of members in the Cabinet increased to 19 as two of the Ministers appointed yesterday are already holding other Cabinet responsibilities. They are Ministers Keheliya Rambukwella and Dr.Ramesh Pathirana.
Following their appointment, the Daily News contacted the new Ministers to look into their future programmes amidst the crisis.
State and Private Media should act with responsibility - Dr. Bandula
Dr. Bandula Gunawardena – Minister of Mass Media, Transport and Highways
“All the State and Private Media have a responsibility to obtain the support of the general public in order to overcome the present day challenges being faced by the country”, said Transport and Highways Minister, Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena.
He said the President has entrusted with him the responsibility of the mass media at this critical juncture. Accordingly, he expects to protect the media freedom in accordance with his conscience and also to build an informed nation through mass media.
“Mass media should act responsibly to create a society which spreads love and kindness instead of the violence as Sri Lanka has suffered a lot for decades due to the violence and hatred,” he said.
He said mass media should fulfill their duty to uplift this country as a nation which has no divisions or violence.
Mass media have a great responsibility similar to the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary to make this country a place to live freely where there is no violence, he said and added “Therefore, I extend an invitation to all media to join hands at this juncture to create a free and responsible media culture”.
Mahinda Amaraweera (Minister of Agriculture, Forest Resources and Wildlife)
I accepted this portfolio on the request of the President and the Prime Minister. I have already informed the President of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party about this appointment. Someone should take over the responsibilities at this critical moment to find solutions to the crisis.
As the Agriculture Minister, my first duty is to provide the farmers with fuel needed for the cultivation related activities. Next, I will pay my attention towards the fertilizer issue, said.
Vidura Wickramanayake (Minister of Buddhashasana, Religious Affairs and Cultural Affairs)
We are all Sri Lankans. We have to find solutions to the present day burning issues of the public. There is no need to hide anything from the public. Everyone knows that there are many issues in the country. So we have to solve them.
As well, while contributing to address these issues, it is my responsibility to protect the country’s heritage, culture and religions as the minister in charge of the subject of Buddhasasana, Religious Affairs and Cultural Affairs.
Douglas Devananda (Minister of Fisheries)
I have been re-appointed as the Minister of Fisheries by the President. So, I expect to continue my programmes as the Minister for the sake of the public.
Export of sea cucumber is one such project that we have already launched and expect to continue it further, he said.
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