Widely regarded as a moderate leader of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA), progressive and “left-wing thinker” in the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), Mr. Cooray succeeded H.M.G.S. Palihakkara, who had held the post for a year.

He told The Hindu that he would demonstrate friendship and readiness to work together with the administration of the Northern Provincial Council.

Utilisation of funds

Referring to the issue of the Northern Province not utilising the sanctioned funds and returning them to the Central government’s Treasury, he said he would use his experience as Chief Minister of the Western Province to ensure that the allocated funds were spent for the intended purpose.

Reacting to his appointment, Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) president and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA)’s deputy leader in Parliament, Mavai S. Senathirajah, said Mr. Cooray’s presence in the North will help resolve our issues “amicably”.