The president’s decision to appoint the new cabinet after the budget vote has perturbed SJB MP Rajitha Senaratne, who was planning to join the government and take over the position of Health Minister.

It is reported that he has not been able to fulfil many promises related to the discussion he had with the president in anticipation of the ministerial post.

The main agreement has been to join the government with a group of six people from SJB. However, until now, it has been revealed that Rajitha Senaratne has not been able to confirm that even one of the six MPs was willing to crossover to the government.

The arrival of Rajitha and his team had been expected by the President before the budget, but because Rajitha could not fulfil his promise, the value attributed to the people who would join the government, including him, has diminished.

It has also been reported that senior government politicians have advised the president that bringing them to the government after the budget would be futile.