UNP MP Buddhika Pathirana, who was tipped to receive a deputy ministerial portfolio, was not among the two state ministers and five deputy ministers who took oaths before President Maithripala Sirisena this morning. 

Even the new state and deputy ministers who took oaths today were surprised by the absence of Pathirana.

Pathirana topped the Matara District preferential votes list twice, although he was overlooked when appointing state and deputy ministers. 

The Matara district Parliamentarian last week made a hard-hitting speech in Parliament criticizing President Sirisena against the restrictions on TNL network.