- Oppo. proposes no names
- NDF and 3 SJB Nat’l List MPs take oaths
National People’s Power (NPP) Polonnaruwa Electoral District Member of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne has been unanimously appointed as the new Speaker of the 10th Parliament. He was nominated by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya following the commencement of yesterday’s (17) Parliamentary session. The proposal was seconded by the Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake.
Accordingly, Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih announced to the House that Dr. Wickramaratne was unanimously appointed as the new Speaker as no other names were proposed. The Opposition had previously stated that they would also propose a name for the Speaker, representing the Opposition; however, no such proposal was made yesterday.
Dr. Wickramaratne completed his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree at the University of Peradeniya, and the Post Graduate Diploma in Healthcare Quality and Patients Safety, and the Master of Science and Medical Administration degree at the University of Colombo.
In his address after assuming duties as the new Speaker, Dr. Wickramaratne underscored the importance of cooperation among all Members of Parliament, regardless of political affiliation. He emphasised that mutual understanding and collaboration between the Ruling Party and the Opposition are essential to achieving progress.
“I promise to work to the utmost of my ability to protect the rights of all of you as representatives of the people. I once again request everyone’s support in making the 10th Parliament an ideal Parliament that will fulfil the aspirations of the people and the wellbeing of the country, regardless of race or religion,” he added.
The newly-appointed Speaker reiterated his commitment to fostering unity and ensuring that the Parliament remains a platform dedicated to addressing the nation’s needs. He urged all lawmakers to work collectively to uphold the democratic values that reflect the aspirations of the people.
The appointment comes following the resignation of NPP Gampaha Electoral District Parliamentarian Asoka Sapumal Ranwala from the position on 13 December, amidst the controversy surrounding his educational qualifications. The President had later accepted his letter of resignation. The official Gazette notification confirming the resignation of Ranwala from the position of Speaker has been issued, signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Meanwhile, four new National List MPs were sworn in before the Deputy Speaker yesterday. Accordingly, President’s Counsel Faiszer Musthapha of the New Democratic Front (NDF) and Sujeewa Senasinghe, Mano Ganesan, and Mohamed Ismail of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) took oaths as MPs.