Karu Appointed as New Speaker; Thilanga New Deputy Speaker

UNP parliamentarian Karu Jayasuriya appointed Speaker of the 8th Parliament. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe was proposed his name and seconded by former opposition leader Nimal Siripala De Silva.

UPFA MP Thilanga Sumathipala was unanimously elected as the Deputy Speaker.

MP Lakshman Kiriella was elected the leader of the House, Gayantha Karunathilaka was elected Chief Government Whip, and MP S. Adaikalanathan was elected as the Deputy Chairman of the Committee. The first sitting of the Eighth Parliament was commenced today (1) at 9.00 a.m. with the participation of President Maithripala Sirisena.

The newly elected Parliamentarians will take oath during the first session. President Maithripala Sirisena will also deliver the official address of the first sitting at 3.00 pm.

President Maithrupala Sirisena, is due to present the Statement of Government Policy at the Ceremonial Sittings of the First Session of the Eighth Parliament.