The National People’s Power (NPP), the ruling party of Sri Lanka, has proposed Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, a Member of Parliament representing the Polonnaruwa District, as the new Speaker, *Mawbima* newspaper reports.
Although several names, including Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvi Sally (MP representing the NPP) and MP Nihal Galappaththi, have been mentioned in the media as potential candidates for the Speaker’s position, party sources have indicated that Dr. Wickramaratne is their final choice. He ranked second on the NPP’s Polonnaruwa District preferential list.
The Speaker’s position became vacant following the resignation of Ashoka Ranwala. The President accepted Ranwala’s resignation, which was officially communicated in writing to the Secretary General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadeera, by the Secretary to the President.
As per Article 64(2) of the Constitution, if a Speaker, Deputy Speaker, or Deputy Committee Chairman resigns, the resignation must be formally submitted to the President through a signed letter.
Meanwhile, Nalin Bandara, an MP from the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), stated during a media briefing in Colombo on December 15 that the opposition plans to propose a candidate for Speaker when Parliament convenes on December 17.
Bandara expressed concerns over the credibility of the government’s likely nominee for Speaker. He emphasized that the opposition will nominate a candidate with authentic educational qualifications.
The final decision on the opposition’s candidate will be made after discussions with allied parties at a group meeting scheduled for December 16. According to Bandara, the opposition aims to nominate a candidate who will command respect from all 225 MPs in Parliament.
He further stated that even if the opposition’s nominee is not elected as Speaker, the public will have the opportunity to compare the government’s candidate with the opposition’s choice. The opposition expects to propose a name that is agreeable to all 66 MPs within its ranks during tomorrow’s parliamentary session.
Dr. jagath Wickramaratne is one of the most energetic , creative and genuine medical Administrators in present era. He will surely protect the dignity and respect of the speaker post. He is a product of Peradeniya Medical Faculty, Sri Lanka with very good carrer report. . He has very good team spirit and experience on hospital management, human resource management and handling the foreign funded projects.