MP S.B. Dissanayake, who is among the Group of 16 SLFP MPs who recently quit the government, has said that another member of their group, Thilanga Sumathipala will continue to hold the post of Deputy Speaker while being in the opposition.
Dissanayake has made this observation during the last parliamentary session when UNP MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha had questioned as to why a Deputy Speaker is not appointed despite Sumathipala handing in his resignation.
Dissanayake has said, “Speakers in the past have served in this post while being in the opposition, The Deputy Chairman of the Working Committee is also carrying out his duties while being in the opposition. Therefore, if our party agrees, Thilanga Sumathipala can still function as the Deputy Speaker, while being in the opposition.”
