• Meeting to decide on nominee to be held today

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha yesterday (15) announced that the Opposition plans to propose a new Speaker for Parliament, representing the Opposition, on Tuesday (17).

Speaking at a media conference held in Colombo yesterday (15), MP Bandara expressed concerns over recent developments in Parliament and the country’s governance. 

“The Parliament will convene on Tuesday, and a new Speaker must be appointed. We intend to present a Speaker who truly represents the Opposition, not someone with questionable credentials,” Bandara had stated, adding that no specific name has been proposed yet, but a meeting is scheduled today (16) to finalise the decision.

Bandara criticised the Government, alleging deceit in their handling of national issues. “We are deeply disappointed that they have misled the entire country. They claim to clean up Parliament, but have instead undermined education qualifications and governance,” he said. 

He further accused certain members of Parliament of using fraudulent qualifications to secure their positions and called on the Bar Association of Sri Lanka to investigate. “The positions of specialist doctors have been reduced to ordinary doctors, and we are lodging complaints with the Medical Council regarding this,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Bandara also highlighted pressing concerns faced by the farming community, stating that fertiliser subsidies remain unpaid and warning of a potential rice shortage in 2025.

He criticised the Government’s inaction, noting that Namal Karunaratne has been “in a dead sleep” over these issues.  Emphasising the need for accountability, Bandara remarked: “Resigning from the Speaker’s post alone is insufficient. He should also step down as an MP.”

(Ada Derana)