An extraordinary gazette has been published placing the Ministry of Environment under the purview of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

As per the gazette, the President, in consultation with the Prime Minister and under Article 44(3) of the Constitution, has decided that the ministerial responsibility for Environment should be under his control.

The gazette was issued by Secretary to President Saman Ekanayake to come into effect from October 11.

Former Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Batticaloa District Member of Parliament, Ahamed Naseer, previously held the portfolio of the Environment Ministry. However, he was disqualified as a Member of Parliament following a Supreme Court ruling.

In response to this situation, the President has chosen to assume direct control of the Ministry rather than appoint a new Minister.