A crucial parliamentary session is expected to be held today amidst the current economic and political crisis.
When the Parliament is convened at 10 am today a Deputy Speaker has to be elected first following the resignation of Deputy Speaker Ranjith Siyambalapitiya as of Friday, April 30.
Sri Lanka Freedom Party parliamentarian Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has resigned from the post of Deputy Speaker following his party’s withdrawal from the government.
The main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya had decided yesterday to nominate MP Imtiaz Bakeer Marker for the post of Deputy Speaker.
Earlier it was reported that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna was preparing to nominate MP Dilan Perera. The Independent Parliamentary Group has decided to nominate a member of their group for the post if necessary.
If a Deputy Speaker is not elected by consensus, a Member of Parliament will have to be elected to the post by a vote.
Political analysts point out that this will be an opportunity to prove which party has the majority in Parliament.
Meanwhile, some parties stated that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is scheduled to make a special statement today. However, Parliamentary sources say that the Prime Minister will not make any special statement in Parliament today.
The Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya meanwhile handed over two no-confidence motions against the President and the government to the Speaker yesterday.
Tissa Attanayake, the National Organizer of the SJB said the proposals should be taken up for debate soon.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that security has been tightened around the parliament with extra police officers.
Courtesy: Colombo Page
