The 'Joint Opposition' which backs former President Mahinda Rajapaksa will appoint a Shadow Cabinet today.

This Shadow Cabinet will be appointed during a meeting of its parliamentary team today.

The appointees will be expected to assume responsibilities regarding policies to be implemented in a future government.

The Shadow Cabinet is a feature of the Westminster system of government which is prominently seen in the UK and some other countries, including several countries outside the Commonwealth..

It consists of a senior group of opposition spokespeople who, under the leadership of the Leader of the Opposition, form an alternative cabinet to that of the government. Members of the Shadow Cabinet shadow or mark each individual member of the Cabinet.