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Election of Speaker, ceremonial address by President among the highlights
View(s):The election of a new Speaker, a ceremonial address by President Maithripala Sirisena, the likely resignation of a newly appointed MP will be among the highlights of the first sitting of the Eighth Parliament of Sri Lanka on Tuesday. UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya is likely to be elected uncontested to the post of Speaker with his name proposed by the UNP and seconded by the SLFP, Parliament officials said.
No decision has been made as to who would be appointed as Deputy Speaker and the Deputy Chairman of Committees, but the former post is to be given to a member of the SLFP and the latter to a member of a minority party. Meanwhile, President Sirisena will present the Statement of Government Policy at the ceremonial sitting at 3 p.m., Parliament officials said. Prior to his address, the President will be accorded a guard of honour as well as a 21 gun salute. There will also be a recital of Jayamangala Gatha.
There will be some additional drama in the House with the impending resignation of JVP National List MP A.C.Mayadunne who is expected to resign soon after taking his oaths as an MP.
Mr. Mayadunne refused to comment on his resignation but said there was no pressure on him from the JVP to resign or otherwise. “I will elaborate the reasons for my actions after I am sworn in as an MP. Whatever decision I make, Parliament is the first place that has to be notified of such a decision,” he said.
At least one newly elected MP will be coming to the Legislature in a Black Maria on Tuesday. He is Premalal Jayasekera – the UPFA’s highest preferential vote getter from the Ratnapura District. He is in remand custody in connection with a murder.
Meanwhile Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella will continue as Leader of the House and Galle Fistrict MP Gayantha Karunatilleke will function as Chief Government Whip. The two Parliamentarians held the posts from January this year till the dissolution of Parliament in June.
The question of who will serve as Leader of the Opposition remains contentious with President Sirisena empowered by his party to name an MP from within the SLFP ranks.