Reports indicate that MP Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne is being considered as the next Speaker of Parliament. Dr. Wickramaratne, who represents the Polonnaruwa District, entered Parliament after the last general election and has since gained prominence within political circles.
The position of Speaker has remained vacant following the resignation of Ashoka Rangwala, creating a race for his successor. Parliament is set to convene tomorrow, where the appointment of the new Speaker is expected to take place.
While Dr. Wickramaratne’s name appears to be a leading choice, other contenders for the role have emerged. Deputy Speaker Rizvi Sally, Nihal Galappaththi, and Lakshman Nipunaarachchi are also being proposed for the position, reflecting the competitive nature of the selection process.
Adding to the intrigue, the opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya, is preparing to nominate one of its own MPs for the post, signaling a broader contest and the possibility of cross-party debate on the matter.
The selection of a new Speaker is seen as pivotal, not just for Parliamentary proceedings, but for steering the legislature through an increasingly tense political climate.
