COLOMBO – Two key ministers were ousted from Sri Lanka’s Cabinet on Friday after the Supreme Court confirmed disciplinary measures against them for defecting from the main opposition party. This development comes in the lead-up to the highly anticipated presidential election in September, the first since the 2022 economic crisis that resulted in the ousting of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Tourism Minister Harin Fernando and Labour Minister Manusha Nanayakkara were dismissed after they switched allegiances to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is gearing up for the September 21 election. Their former party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), suspended their membership, a decision upheld by the court, forcing them to resign from both Parliament and the Cabinet—a significant blow to Wickremesinghe’s campaign.
“I respect the court’s decision,” Fernando told the press, reflecting on his tenure. “I’m grateful for the chance to serve the people.” Nanayakkara echoed a similar sentiment, stating he had no regrets about his decision to join the government.
Sri Lanka defaulted on its staggering US$46 billion foreign debt in April 2022 amid a crippling foreign exchange shortage, exacerbating the nation’s economic turmoil. President Wickremesinghe, seeking another term, has focused on implementing reforms that include stringent austerity measures, higher taxes, and cuts to energy subsidies.
Opposition candidates Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake, also front-runners in the election, have pledged to maintain the US$2.9 billion IMF bailout secured by Wickremesinghe in 2023. However, they plan to reduce taxes and halt privatization efforts if elected.