Dilan Perera to resign as Justice Minister

Dilan Perera has reportedly decided to resign as Justice Minister and continue only in his Ports portfolio.

According to Justice Ministry sources, Mr. Perera will carry out his decision upon his return from an overseas visit.

This is reportedly the result of his long-standing differences with Justice Secretary Suhada Gamlath, who has the backing of senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa.

Meanwhile, SLFP General Secretary Maithripala Sirisena has said that several non-cabinet and deputy ministers from the party were considering resigning from their portfolios.


This decision by government backbenchers has not yet been officially notified to the President, who will take appropriate measures once informed, Mr. Sirisena has said.

According to reports, they include Mervyn Silva, Jagath Pushpakumara, Rohitha Abeygunawardena and Mahindananda Aluthgamage.

Their decision has been prompted by widespread calls for a reduction in the cabinet and to bring down the huge consumption of fuel by top government officials.