JO continues push for the post of Opposition Leader

Colombo (News1st) - Ever since the current administration came into power in August 2015, the Joint Opposition group in parliament has been agitating for the post of Opposition Leader. Their battle for the positions seems to have reached a crucial turning point. The Joint Opposition claims that a member of their group should be named as the Opposition Leader as they have the second largest representation in Parliament. On the 30th of last month, a letter signed by several Members of Parliament was handed over to the Speaker requesting UPFA Parliamentarian Dinesh Gunewardena be appointed as the Opposition Leader. Thereafter, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya addressed a letter to UPFA General Secretary Minister Mahinda Amaraweera seeking the official stance of the party. Following an event in Kandy today, Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan and Speaker Jayasuriya were questioned about the future of the post of Opposition Leader. Current Opposition Leader R.Sampanthan reacted to the journalist's questions by stating that he would not comment on the matter as the Speaker is set to make a decision on it. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya avoided the question completely by expressly stating that he would not comment on the matter.