Foreign Employment Minister Thalatha Athukorale was this morning sworn in as Justice Minister before President Maithripala Sirisena.

She is the female in the history of Sri Lanka to be appointed to such a position.

Athukorale replaces former Justice and Buddhasasana Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, who was removed from his post by the President on Wednesday (23).

Rajapakshe’s removal follows a no-confidence motion brought against him by members of his own United National Party (UNP).

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also participated on the occasion of Minister Thalatha Athukorale’s swearing in.  

Atukorale came into active politics in 2004, after the death of her brother Gamini Atukorale a former cabinet minister and assistant leader of the United National Party.

She won a seat in the parliament at the 2004, 2010 and the 2015 elections from Rathnapura district.