Presidential Advisors Appointment Sparks Controversy | Breaking News

News Today: Former Ministers Appointed as Presidential Advisors, NPP Leader Opposes

Former Ministers Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara have been appointed as Presidential advisors by President Ranil Wickremesinghe under Article 41(1) of the Constitution. Harin Fernando will advise on sports, lands, and tourism affairs, while Manusha Nanayakkara will focus on labour and foreign employment.

However, the leader of the National People’s Power (NPP), Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has strongly opposed these appointments. Dissanayake claims that the appointments violate election laws, citing a circular from the Elections Commission that prohibits new appointments during the election period. He argues that appointing Fernando and Nanayakkara to their previous Ministries allows them to interfere in Ministry activities, enjoying perks and privileges such as vehicles and funds.

Dissanayake further criticized the President, accusing him of using state resources for his election campaign. He claimed that other United National Party (UNP) members, including Akila Viraj, Sagala Ratnayake, Ashu Marasinghe, and Navin Dissanayake, have also been given advisory posts or governorships, which he views as an exploitation of state resources.

The NPP leader concluded by condemning the Election Commission for failing to prevent these appointments, which he believes undermine the integrity of the election process.