A Cabinet paper has been submitted to make permanent the appointments of around 700 private staff members of the President, Cabinet Ministers, Non-Cabinet Ministers, State Ministers and Deputy Ministers.
The Cabinet paper seeking the confirmation of coordinating secretaries, media secretaries, office assistants, private secretaries and research assistants was submitted by Minister Vajira Abeywardena.
It is reported that this matter would be discussed at the Cabinet meeting scheduled to be held at 1.00 pm today.
Meanwhile, President Maithripala Sirisena is also scheduled to present a similar Cabinet paper seeking approval for the permanency of three members of his private staff.
The President has sought Cabinet approval to make permanent the positions of his Media Director Dharma Sri Ekanayake, his Parliamentary Affairs Secretary Miyuru Bhashitha and Coordinating Secretary A.S. Jayawickrama.
At the time of retirement of the President, these staff members would not have completed five years of service. Therefore, the President has sought Cabinet approval for their permanency on the basis that they have completed five years of service.
The final Cabinet meeting under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena is scheduled to be held today (11). Therefore, it is most likely that approval would be granted for both Cabinet papers being submitted by President Sirisena, according to government sources.
(Mirror)