Speaker says matters on Opposition Leader should be resolved within UNP

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has said that matters pertaining to the appointment of Opposition Leader should be resolved within the United National Party (UNP).

He had made these remarks during the Committee on Parliamentary Business meeting held at the Parliamentary Complex today (Nov 21), the Parliament's Department of Communication said.

During the meeting, Mr. Jayasuriya had pointed out that the appointment of Opposition Leader does not fall under the pruview of the Committee on Parliamentary Business.

He had stated that the post of Opposition Leader is traditionally given to the leader of an opposition political party comprising a majority of members.

Accordingly, the Speaker had stressed that it is the duty of that party's general secretary to inform the Speaker of the Opposition Leader's name.

Earlier today, UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariayasam had written to the Speaker nominating UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe's name to the post of Opposition Leader.

However, a group of 40 UNPers had later addressed a letter to the Speaker requesting to appoint former UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa to the same position.

The post of Opposition Leader fell vacant after Mahinda Rajapaksa who was serving in the position was appointed as Prime Minister today.

Related stories

40 UNPers write to Speaker seeking to appoint Sajith as Opp. Leader

Letter sent to Speaker to nominate Ranil to post of Opposition Leader