SLPP MP Ajith Rajapakshe was today elected Deputy Speaker by a majority of 31 votes in a secret ballot.
A total of 109 members voted for Mr. Rajapakshe and SJB MP Rohini Kumari Kaviratne obtained 78 votes.
A total of 23 votes were invalid.
When the Speaker of the Parliament Mr Mahinda Yapa Abewardena announced about the appointment of a Deputy Speaker this morning sessions, the Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa proposed the name of MOP Mrs Rohini Kaviratne as the Deputy Speaker. Meanwhile the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe also had advised to propose a name of a female MP for the deputy speaker’s position.
Although there were some objections from members for holding an election wasting tie and money they suggested to withdraw somebody and let one person to elect to the position. Although the Speaker sought ideas from party leaders they too did nit respond to the request.
Then Speaker decided to call for voting .
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