Speaker writes to UPFA about Opposition Leader post

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has sought the official stand of the United People’s Freedom Alliance on the request made by eight party members in the Opposition to appoint MP Dinesh Gunawardena as the Opposition Leader. 

The letter signed by eight UPFA members argues that as there are 70 members who were elected under the UPFA, making it the largest Opposition group, Gunawardena should be made the leader of the Opposition, a statement released by the Speaker’s Office said.

“It is the Speaker’s responsibility to seek the opinion of the party whenever a group of party members, groups or even one group requesting the post of the Opposition leader for a party member,” the statement highlighted.

As all those who had signed the request were UPFA members, Speaker Jayasuriya had decided to seek the opinion of the UPFA. Accordingly, the Speaker had written to UPFA General Secretary Minister Mahinda Amaraweera yesterday seeking his party’s official opinion on appointing MP Gunawardena as the Opposition Leader, the statement said.