COLOMBO: Ajith Rajapaksa was elected deputy speaker of the Sri Lankan parliament on Tuesday with a majority of 31votes against Rohini Kumari Wijerathna at secret ballot voting system at the legislature.
Rajapaksa polled 109 votes, while Wijerathne secured 78 votes.
Two parliamentarians were nominated for the position of Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced following the commencement of the proceedings of the House on Tuesday May17.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa proposed the name of MP Rohini Kumari Wijerathna on behalf of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). It was seconded by MP Lakshman Kiriella.
While Minister G.L. Peiris nominated MP Ajith Rajapakse as the candidate of the ruling party Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). MP Ajith Bandara seconded the nomination.
MP Wimal Weerawansa, opposing a vote to elect a new Deputy Speaker of Parliament, stressed that a cost of approximately Rs. 9 million is required for this. The lawmaker said an agreement should be reached without opting for a secret ballot.