President Maithripala Sirisena appointed several new office bearers to the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). 

Former Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, a supporter of Sirisena, was appointed the new Propaganda Secretary of the party while former Deputy Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanne was appointed the Trade Unions Secretary. 

This was the first time a Propaganda Secretary was appointed to handle the party's publicity activities in its 68-year history. 

Meanwhile, former Deputy Minister Sarathi Dushmantha Mithrapala was appointed the Secretary in charge of professionals affiliated with the party. 

The new appointments were made to strengthen the party ahead of the elections expected later this year, a senior party spokesman told Asian Mirror. 

He also added that the Central Committee, the main decision-making body of the party, has authorized President Sirisena to make new appointments in order to strengthen the party.