Secret ballot to elect Deputy Speaker after two names proposed

A secret ballot is currently taking place to elect a new Deputy Speaker after two names were proposed for the post. 

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) nominated Kegalle District MP Ranjith Siyambalapitiya's name for the post. Mr Siyambalapitiya earlier held the post of Deputy Speaker until he resigned recently. Mr Siyambalapitiya's name was proposed by SLFP MP Nimal Siripala De Silva and seconded by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Susil Premajayantha, who is sitting as part of the independent group of MPs. 

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said the Governnment will support Mr Siyambalapitiya's nomination. 

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said they were proposing the name of MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar. The name was seconded by Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella. 

Accordingly, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said a secret ballot will be conducted for the post. 

Voting is being conducted manually, with each MP called individually to physically mark their name on a ballot paper and put the folded ballot paper in a ballot box.