Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne was at a loss for words today at the weekly Cabinet briefing when asked about the controversial appointment of Anuruddha Polgampola as the Timber Corporation Chairman. 

The Health Minister said he would never have allowed President Maitripala Sirisena to hire Dr I.K. Mahanama as the Chief of staff, if he had prior knowledge of the appointment. 

At this point, a journalist asked if the Minister was not aware of the appointment of Anururddha Polgampala who had been prosecuted twice for financial crimes. 

The journalist also asked if supporting the SLFP at elections was the only qualification to become heads of state institutions. 

"We have seen what the qualified people to state institutions, haven't we?" Senaratne said, dodging the question.