The Parliament recently gave its approval to the government to appoint 48 Cabinet Ministers and 45 State and Deputy Ministers. Forty MPs took oaths as state and deputy ministers yesterday (09) at the Presidential Secretariat. They include 19 state ministers and 21 deputy ministers. They included several MPs who were allegedly involved in various misdeeds.

Their appointment has led to confusion and the frustration of a section of the general public. Almost all ‘social media activists’ have denounced the government for the large number of ministers appointed and the appointment of discredited MPs. Most of them questioned as to if this was ‘good governance’ while some of them agreed that there was no option since there was a need is for a stable national government.

Some of opinions of social media activists towards the cabinet can be seen below.

Saranga Anjana Wijerathna: “I kind of regret my vote now”

Udana Wijerathne: “Now the hopes of the people who wanted a change have already faded away. All accused people for smuggling drugs, ethanol and who were accused for robbery, bribery have been given ministries to administrate. Can anyone think the government will charge against their ministers? I am personally proud of myself for voting JVP. All who wanted the change are now suffering from cognitive dissonance.”

Aminda Lakmal: “Some people are still in the mindset, that, this is a ‘good initiative’ but to me it is the ‘same wine in a new bottle’ all the bad things are wrapped in an attractive concept called ‘national government’ and presented to people”

Wathsala Rathnayaka: “This is not what we expected at all. I will never ever use my vote again .No point of wasting our money for elections. All they want is money on their pockets.”

Channa Suriyabandara: “It will never be , never been (a bed of roses) ,what the floating voter expects , typical and anticipated same old boring story ( so not much shocked at all ) though having being bold to change the dirty pamper ; and the trend was set with a lesson (+ vibes) .( disappointing as usual as a floating vote over a couple of decades) , fact of the matter is that even during which, if ( Big If ) a handful would make an effort towards a National Policy ! Dream Big! Positive thoughts! (Cannot turn back though)”

Tharaka Eranda Caldera: “Nothing has changed all amendments to constitution, elections and everything is an illusion ...”

Nalaka Gunawardene: “Government of Consensus? Oh yes, they are united in their keenness for power, position and perks! We the voters hoodwinked.”

Gayan Chamudya Sapuge: “The current government has not fulfilled the desires of the people who voted for them. The new cabinet includes few cabinet, state and deputy ministers who were criticized as drug dealers by the opposition before January 08. But now they are joined to the cabinet according to the wishes of the president and the prime minister. It seems that they consider their agendas more important than the agendas of citizens of the country. Indirectly they are digging their own graveyards.”

Amitha Amarasinghe: "Are there any NASA spacecrafts leaving this planet soon? I want to book a seat."