Former Deputy Minister Harsha de Silva has been considered for the position of Finance Minister in the next Cabinet of Ministers, UNP sources said.

Meanwhile, the President is also considering the retention of Karunanayake as the Finance Minister. A section within the government is said to be pushing for the retention of Karunanayake as Finance Minister.

Harsha De Silva was one of the few surprising performers and came third in the UNP preferences from Colombo District. Karunanayake came fourth from the Colombo District under the UNP ticket.

Certain sections in the public and the party expected de Silva to be appointed the Finance Minister in the former government. However, he was appointed the Deputy Minister of Policy Planning and Economic Affairs. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was the Cabinet Minister of this ministry.