No change in Opposition Leader post: Speaker

• TNA Leader R. Sampanthan to remain as Leader of Opposition in Parliament

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya (File photo)

By Skandha Gunasekara

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya yesterday categorically rejected the possibility of changes to the post of Opposition Leader of Parliament, reasserting the right of TNA leader R. Sampanthan to remain in the post.

The Speaker gave his ruling while making a special statement at the commencement of Sittings yesterday, noting that this was his final decision on that which is in accordance with the Parliament traditions and the Constitution.

The Speaker’s ruling comes in response to the special written request by the Joint Opposition submitted on 1 August, calling on the Speaker to appoint JO Parliamentary Group Leader MP Dinesh Gunawardana as the Leader of the Opposition, claiming that it was the group with the highest number of MPs in the Opposition.

The Joint Opposition consists of a total 70 Parliamentarians.

“My ruling was decided upon after a careful study of the composition of the current Parliament and international best practices. All arguments made on the floor of the House last Tuesday on the post of Opposition Leader and opinions of experts on Parliamentary democracy were considered in arriving at my final decision,” the Speaker said.

He asserted that the post of Opposition leader could only held by a person who is not from a political party that is a part of the Government and pointed out that the Parliamentary Resolution adopted on 3 September 2015 states that UNP and UPFA were coalition partners in the National Unity Government.

Referring to the period where MP Nimal Siripala De Silva held the post of Opposition Leader, the Speaker said that interim period was different as there had been no such Parliamentary Resolution concerning a National Government at the time.

“The Parliamentary Group Leader of a recognised political party that does not represent the Government and has the highest number of seats is the rightful owner of the Opposition Leader post. The Sri Lankan and UK Parliamentary traditions as well as precedence are clear in this regard,” the Speaker said.



Despite objections by JO MPs Dinesh Gunawardana, Dullas Alahapperuma and Chandima Weerakkody, the Speaker said that his decision on the matter should be considered final and could not not be debated further.

At this point, MP Alahapperuma inquired as to whether the Speaker would change his decision if the JO MP left the UPFA and became an independent group in Parliament.

In response, Leader of the House Minister Lakshman Kiriella said the JO should first become an independent group before making such a request.

Nevertheless, the Speaker assured the House that, to be fair, he would allocate more time in Parliament for the Joint Opposition with the high number of MPs it represents.