UPFA General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera said that the President is always prepared to appoint UPFA MP Chamal Rajapaksa as a government minister if the latter is willing to accept it.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Amaraweera commended Chamal Rajapaksa as a good political leader.

He explained that he replaced Rajapaksa as a co-chairman of the Hambantota District Development Committee since some people did not let Rajapaksa carry out his duties in his capacity. However, he is willing to relinquish the post in favor of Rajapaksa at anytime, Amaraweera also said.

Rajapaksa, the elder brother of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, is a former Speaker. He has attended several 'Joint Opposition' rallies in support of the former President, but has largely been a silent figure in the 'Joint Opposition' camp.