Serious questions have arisen over the role of President Maithripala Sirisena in the new government as he was not given a Cabinet portfolio today.

Sirisena was earlier expected to be appointed the Minister of Environment. However, he was not among the new ministers who took oaths before the President in Kandy this morning.

Some speculate that Sirisena will be the speaker of the new Parliament which will convene on August 20. Government sources earlier said Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena was likely to be appointed the Speaker.

Sirisena topped the preferential votes list in Polonnaruwa obtaining over 100000 votes from the district.