The newly appointed Chief Ministers, ministers and members  of Western and Southern Provincial Councils took oaths before President Mahinda Rajapaksa this morning. 

Prasanna Ranatunga was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the Western Province while Shan Wijayalal de Silva took oaths as the Chief Minister of the Southern Province.

Chandima Rasaputhra, D.V. Upul and U.D. Ariyathilaka were sworn in as new ministers of the Southern Provincial council. 

Udaya Gammanpila, Ranjith Somawansa and Upali Kodikara took oaths as new ministers of the Western Provincial Council.