Minister Mahinda Amaraweera was appointed as UPFA General Secretary at the party's Executive Committee meeting at President Maithripala Sirisena's residence late last night.

His name was proposed by the President and seconded by Minister S.B. Dissanayake, he told media.

Amaraweera added that Mahajana Eksath Peramuna leader Dinesh Gunawardena, who is a key member of the 'Joint Opposition' also expressed his support.

The position was vacated by the recent demise of former UPFA General Secretary Prof. Vishwa Warnapala.