There were moves on Monday first by Minister Anuruddha Ratwatte and later by Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva to downgrade their ministerial appointments to deputy positions to accommodate CWC leader Arumugam Thondaman’s entry into the cabinet. Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva was quoted as having pledged his "willingness to make any sacrifice on behalf of the party".

JVP Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawanse told "The Island" that the total number of cabinet members would have to be 20, including Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake. Currently all 20 positions are filled-up and one would have to resign to accommodate the appointment of Arumugam Thondaman. MP Thondaman who was scheduled to be sworn in yesterday, deferred it until the appointment of an auspicious date by his astrologers. There will be further drama in the next few days in the search for a slot for MP Thondaman.

Meanwhile. Prof. G. L. Peiris met with chief organisers of his constituency at his Kirula residence yesterday. Political sources said that Prof. Peiris had pledged that he would not waver from what he termed his "principled stance and would take his position as a backbencher instead". They added that the gathering had expressed solidarity with the MP and expressed support for his principled stance in the prevailing turmoil. Prof. Peiris is expected to meet religious dignitaries including the Mahanayakes of the Asgiriya and Malwatte chapters in the next few days. (SW)