Claiming that such an increase is unconstitutional, the JVP called for a vote, at which 143 MPs voted in favour, while 16, of the JVP, MEP, NFF and Udaya Gammanpila, opposed.

Sixty three MPs, including Mahinda Rajapkasa and those of the TNA, were not present at the time of the vote.

Accordingly, the number of cabinet ministers will be 48 and the non-cabinet and deputy ministers will number 45.

Opposition leader R. Sampanthan said they did not oppose a national government, but would be against increasing the number of ministers.

Parliamentary approval is needed to raise the number of ministers, 30 as per the 19th amendment, in the event a national government is formed.