Ranjith Madduma Bandara took oaths as the Minister of Law and Order, a short while ago. 

The appointment was made just days after violence broke out in Kandy.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe previously held the position. The government said the Prime Minister would only hold the position temporarily until the appointment of the new Minister. 

Although the UNP proposed to appoint former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka as the new Law and Order Minister, President Maithripala Sirisena objected to the move. 

Madduma Bandara also functions as the Minister of Public Administration.