He was appointed as the Minister of Labour from 1997 to 2000 and this is the second time that he assumed duties as the Minister of Labour affairs.

Addressing the Media he said, Ministry of Labour is the responsible institution for at least 5,500,000 private sector labours.

Minster Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister S.B.Navinna, Former Minister Athauda Senevirathne, Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Cabinet) Mr.Herath Yapa, Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (State) Mr.Gotabhaya Jayarathne, Commissioner General of Labour Mrs.Chandanee Amarathunga and the Staff members of the Ministry and the Minster also were participated with this occasion.