Despite the statement issued by Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, the Cabinet reshuffle will not take place before the Sinhala-Tamil New Year, a top political source said. 

Speaking to Asian Mirror, a senior government spokesman said it would take about another week or two as portfolio changes are yet to be finalized. 

"The President and the Prime Minister should agree on the changes and then they have to discuss the changes with their own party members. This requires some time," he added. 

President Maithripala Sirisena, however, has made it clear that the reshuffle will introduce comprehensive portfolio changes to the Cabinet. 

It is learnt that some young MPs and backbenchers representing the UNP will get 'promotion' at the proposed reshuffle- the third during the term of the unity government.