News Today: Parliament to Elect New Speaker Today

Parliament is set to elect a new Speaker today to address the vacancy left by the resignation of former Speaker Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala, who served as the Speaker of the Tenth Parliament. This critical session will begin at 9:30 am under the leadership of Deputy Speaker Dr. Mohammed Rizvi Sally, with the main agenda being the appointment of a new Speaker.

Before the election of the Speaker, members nominated from the National List of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will take their oaths. Once sworn in, the parliamentary process for electing the new Speaker will commence. If only one public representative is nominated for the role, the candidate will be appointed unopposed. However, if multiple nominations are made, a secret vote will determine the outcome.

Reports suggest that prominent representatives, including Deputy Speaker Rizvi Sally, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, and Nihal Galappaththi, have been nominated for the Speaker position from the National People’s Power (NPP).

The resignation of former Speaker Ashoka Ranwala was confirmed by the Secretary to the President, who informed Parliament Secretary General Kushani Rohanadeera in writing that the President had accepted the resignation. Ranwala’s decision has paved the way for today’s crucial parliamentary session, which is expected to draw significant attention nationwide.

This election marks a pivotal moment for the governance of the Tenth Parliament and will have lasting implications for the legislative process in the country.