The president has decided to spare stern action against sports, youth affairs and irrigation minister Roshan Ranasinghe for having violated the cabinet’s collective responsibility.
Being a novice in the cabinet, he will now be taught on cabinet traditions and given a warning only.
The president told Ranasinghe to meet him today (07) for having violated the cabinet’s collective responsibility over an issue water supply for drought-hit farmers.
The minister has spoken in support of a paper submitted by agriculture minister Mahinda Amaraweera to release waters from Samanala Wewa for irrigational purposes.
Power minister Kanchana Wijesekara opposed, saying that if that was done, there will have to be power-cuts of several hours affecting the entire country.
After debating the proposal, ministers decided to grant relief for the affected farmers.
Speaking to the media later, Ranasinghe criticized the cabinet decision and said he was even prepared to give up his portfolio.
In the meantime, Amaraweera said he would submit the same proposal to the ministers again at their meeting today.
