The government has offically explained its positions on the speculations over Minister Namal Rajapaksa's appointment as the Prime Minister.

At the weekly Cabinet briefing, Media Minister and Cabinet Spokesman said there was no truth in such speculations.

"Journalists should not take such speculations too seriously," Rambukwella added dismissing reports that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa would soon retire from politics.

These speculations were fuelled by Namal Rajapaksa's recent appointment as IT and Digital Infrastucture State Minister in addition to his current Cabinet portfolio. It was also reported that Minister Rajapaksa would soon be appointed to a senior position in the Sri Lanka Podujana Party (SLPP).