New deputy speaker of parliament to be appointed

COLOMBO (News 1st) - A new deputy speaker of parliament is due to be appointed today (June 5). The position of deputy speaker became vacant when SLFP MP Thilanga Sumathipala voted against the prime minister during the no-confidence motion and resigned from the government and the position of deputy speaker. Parliament will be officially informed of his resignation today ((June 5). A senior member of parliament said if more than one parliamentarian is nominated for the position of deputy speaker, a secret vote will be held. Parliament is due to convene at 1 p.m.