A disgruntled sports and Mahaweli minister Roshan Ranasinghe had almost stepped down before changing the decision at the last minute, reliable political sources said.
Ministry advisor Sudath Chandrasekara changed the mind of the minister, who remains disappointed with certain decisions taken by the president.
A main reason cited is opposition MP Rohini Kaviratne’s interference in affairs of the Mahaweli and the president taking her side, said the sources.
The differences remain unresolved, with rumours circulating that Kaviratne is planning to join the government to strengthen the hands of the president.
The two had an exchange of words in parliament some days ago over Mahaweli land, with the female MP claiming the president cancelled an unfair land distribution at her request.
