Colombo: Sri Lanka's political scene was thrown into further turmoil today (Feb 16, 2004), with President Chandrika Kumaratunga virtually sacking the Christian Affairs Minister for "not taking oath" and withdrawing his security along with that of the 39 junior ministers removed recently.

President Kumaratunga ordered police chief Indra de Silva to immediately withdraw protection given to Christian Affairs Minister John Amaratunga and the junior ministers who were sacked last week by her.

Giving reason for the sacking, Kumaratunga said Amaratunga who was initially Minister for Interior Affairs, failed to take his oath as Minister for Christian Affairs when he was given the new portfolio in November.

"Since he has not taken his oaths as Christian Affairs Minister before me, I inform you that he is no longer a Minister," Kumaratunga said in a one-page letter.

However, Amaratunga had earlier remained in Cabinet attending its meetings till Kumaratunga issued the letter today, effectively removing him from Cabinet.

The removal comes in the backdrop of increased attacks against Christian prayer centres and churches in mounting hate attacks in this majority Buddhist country.

Officials said Amaratunga's ouster was not linked to the inter-religious tensions, but it had caused more apprehensions among the Christian minority.

It is the first time Kumaratunga sacked a Cabinet Minister on technical grounds after dissolving the Parliament controlled by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.