The National People’s Power (NPP), Sri Lanka’s ruling party, has nominated Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, an MP representing the Polonnaruwa District, as its candidate for the position of Speaker, Mawbima newspaper reports.
Dr. Wickramaratne, who ranked second on the NPP’s Polonnaruwa District preferential list, has emerged as the party’s final choice, despite earlier speculation about other candidates, including Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvi Sally and MP Nihal Galappaththi.
The Speaker’s post became vacant following the resignation of Ashoka Ranwala. The President officially accepted Ranwala’s resignation, which was communicated to the Secretary General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadeera, by the Secretary to the President.
Under Article 64(2) of the Constitution, a resignation by the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, or Deputy Committee Chairman must be submitted to the President through a signed letter.
Opposition to Propose Its Own Candidate
Meanwhile, Nalin Bandara, an MP from the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), announced during a media briefing in Colombo on December 15 that the opposition plans to field its own candidate for Speaker.
Bandara raised concerns about the credibility of the government’s nominee, highlighting the importance of authentic educational qualifications for the Speaker’s position.
The opposition is scheduled to finalize its nominee after discussions with allied parties during a group meeting on December 16. Bandara emphasized the opposition’s intention to present a candidate who would command respect from all 225 MPs in Parliament.
“The public will have the opportunity to compare the government’s candidate with the opposition’s nominee,” Bandara stated, adding that the opposition plans to propose a candidate who is agreeable to all 66 MPs within its alliance during the December 17 parliamentary session.
The Speaker election is expected to showcase a significant contest between the ruling party and the opposition, with both sides vying to demonstrate their credibility and leadership in Parliament.