Colombo, April 4 : Former Justice Minister Ali Sabry has been appointed as new Sri Lankan Finance Minister, in place of Basil Rajapaksa, amidst a severe economic crisis engulfing the island nation. Sabry is among four new ministers who were sworn in before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday morning, hours after the entire cabinet of ministers resigned amidst a political crisis that hit Sri Lanka, that is reeling from an acute fuel and food crisis. While Ali Sabry has been sworn in as the new Finance Minister replacing Basil Rajapaksa, G.L. Peiris has been retained as the Foreign Minister. Dinesh Gunawardena was sworn in as the Education Minister and Johnston Fernando as the Minister of Highways. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has invited all political parties to join forces to find solutions to the current national crisis. The President’s Media Division said that the present crisis has arisen due to economic and global concerns, and it is paramount to search for solutions within the democratic process of the country. The statement said that the President had invited all political parties to accept ministerial portfolios and work together to solve the national crisis. The developments came as several groups banded together on Monday morning to protest against the current economic crisis in Sri Lanka in Galle. Lawyers and other social groups converged opposite the Galle Bus Station and held protests. At the same time, a massive protest took place in the Polonnaruwa Town calling for the resignation of the government. Protests have increased across Sri Lanka after thousands decided to protest on the road leading to the President’s private residence on March 31. Sri Lankans also defied the nationwide curfew to protest on Sunday. RN