Rajapaksa new Deputy Speaker

SLPP Hambantota District MP Ajith Rajapaksa was elected to the post of Deputy Speaker of Parliament by a majority of 31 votes yesterday.

Rajapaksa, nominated by the SLPP, secured 109 votes in the secret ballot.

He contested against Matale District SJB MP Rohini Kaviratne. She was only able to secure 78 votes.

A secret ballot was held to elect a new Deputy Speaker after the post fell vacant following the resignation from the post by MP Ranjith Siyambalalpitiya for a second time.

Even though new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had suggested that to a female MP be appointed as the Deputy Speaker, the SLPP nominated MP Rajapaksa.