Social Empowerment, Welfare and Kandyan Heritage Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake has been removed from his position as United National Party (UNP) Coordinator for the Divulapitiya district.

His removal follows a recent reprimand by the Prime Minister for being critical of the government.

Kithsiri Manchanayake has been appointed UNP organizer for the Divulapitiya electorate instead.

Deputy Minister Ramanayake has often been openly critical of the government and the judiciary.