The 'Shadow Cabinet' appointed by the Joint Opposition saw its first defection as MP Lohan Ratwatte 'resigned' from the Urban Development and Water Supply Shadow Minister post.

He has said that he was not informed of such as appointment before it was made.

Meanwhile, political sources said that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was named the Shadow Prime Minister, was indifferent to the move.

Furthermore, some MPs are of the view that this move contradicts the Westminster tradition, where the Opposition Leader becomes Shadow Prime Minister.