UPFA communicates stand on opposition leader to Speaker

The United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has communicated its stand on the leader of the Opposition to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya.

Jayasuriya had sought the opinion of UPFA General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera on appointing Parliamentarian Dinesh Gunawardena as Opposition Leader.

The Speaker had requested Amaraweera to state the position of the party, since a request had been put forward by several MPs, including some from the UPFA.

Amaraweera yesterday said that he has communicated the position of the UPFA to the Speaker.

The opposition leader at present is Tamil National Alliance leader R. Sampanthan.

However, the Joint Opposition has been pushing for Gunawardene to be given the post, saying Sampanthan has been more a voice for the Government, and not the Opposition. (ColomboGazette)