Colombo (News 1st); The 01st session of the 09th Parliament of Sri Lanka took place on Wednesday (20) morning at the Parliamentary Complex in Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte.

Several key appointments were made at today’s proceedings.

Speaker: MP Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena selected as the Speaker of the Parliament.

He was nominated by Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and seconded MP by Ranjith Madduma Bandara.

Deputy Speaker: Ranjith Siyambalapitiya was elected unanimously as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

His name was proposed by Minister Mahinda Amaraweera seconded by Minister Nimal Lanza.

Opposition Leader: Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced he recognizes the Leader of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya Sajith Premadasa as the Leader of the Opposition.

Deputy Chairman of Committees: MP Angajan Ramanathan was unanimously selected as the Deputy Chairman of Committees of the 9th Parliament.

His name was proposed by Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva.

Leader of the House: Minister Dinesh Gunawardena officially assumed duties as the Leader of the House on Wednesday (20) morning.

Chief Government Whip: Minister Johnston Fernando officially assumed duties as the Chief Government Whip of the 09th Parliament of Sri Lanka

Chief Opposition Whip: Lakshman Kiriella was appointed as the Chief Opposition Whip following a meeting on Thursday (20) evening in Parliament. 

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