News Today: Government confirms no State Ministers in new policy

The newly formed government announced yesterday that it would not appoint any State Ministers but instead plans to appoint 26-28 deputy ministers in the coming days. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the newly sworn-in Health and Media Minister, confirmed that the appointments align with the policy manifesto presented before the elections.

Dr. Jayatissa clarified that deputy ministers may not be appointed for every Cabinet portfolio. Meanwhile, the government has decided to shuffle, reappoint, or appoint new Ministry Secretaries, though final decisions are pending. Notably, Mahinda Siriwardana will continue as the Finance Secretary.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, who retained his position, assumed duties yesterday, marking continuity in the country’s foreign policy amid these changes.