The new Cabinet of Ministers is to be sworn in at the Presidential Secretariat at 8.30am today (Dec. 20), according to UNP MP Akila Viraj Kariyawasam.

During the UPFA parliamentary group meeting held last evening, President Maithripala Sirisena has reportedly said that the new Cabinet will take oath this morning.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the United National Front (UNF) has presented the President with a proposal with 35 names nominated for the new Cabinet.

However, sources say that President Maithripala Sirisena has not given his approval for this proposal and that there has been no change in the decision to limit the new Cabinet to only 30 members.

In accordance with the Constitution, the number of cabinet ministers in the United National Front-led government will be limited to 30 as there is no longer a national government. 

The President holds the portfolios of Defense, Mahaweli Development and Environment ministries.

Additionally, it is reported that the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (Lake House) have been assigned under the purview of the President.

Political sources further say that that the President would not be granting ministerial positions for the MPs who crossed over to the UNF from UPFA.

MPs Lakshman Seneviratne, Vijith Vijithamuni de Zoysa, Piyasena Gamage and A.H.M. Fowzie recently crossed over to the government.

UNF MPs Mangala Samaraweera, Dr Rajith Senaratne and Patali Champika Ranawaka are expected to receive the same portfolios previously held by them in the former government.

Meanwhile, speculation is rife that former finance minister Ravi Karunanayake is also expected to be given a ministerial portfolio.

According to sources, he will receive the portfolio of Power and Renewable Energy.

According to political sources, MP Sajith Premadasa is to be given the Ministries of Cultural Affairs and Housing, while MP Kabir Hashim is to receive the Ministry of Petroleum Resource Development.

Political further noted that UNP MP Wasantha Senanayake will not be assigned a ministerial portfolio and that the President had not decided on appointing him as a Cabinet Minister as of yesterday.