MP Ranjith Siyambalapitiya was re-elected as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament today (May 05).

Securing a majority of 83 votes, the parliamentarian was voted in through a secret ballot held in the Parliament this morning.

Announcing the results of the ballot, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said MP Siyambalapitiya has received 148 votes in his favour while 65 votes were cast in favour of MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar.

Following its commencement, the focus of the parliamentary proceedings fell on the appointment of a new Deputy Speaker, as the post was vacated by MP Siyambalapitiya by the end of April.

However, his name was proposed by SLFP MP Nimal Siripala de Silva and was seconded by MP Dr. Susil Premajayantha on behalf of the group of MPs who recently declared themselves as independent.

Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris told the House that the nomination of MP Siyambalapitiya has the support of the government.

MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara of the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya nominated National List MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar for the post. The nomination was seconded by MP Lakshman Kiriella.

As two nominees were proposed for the post, the Speaker called for a secret ballot to select the new Deputy Speaker.

In a statement, the Communications Department of the Parliament said the appointment of the new Deputy Speaker took place in accordance with Standing Order 6 of Parliament.

“At the first sitting of a newly-elected Parliament as specified in Standing Order 1, or at the commencement of Public Business at the first meeting of Parliament after the occurrence of a vacancy in the office of Deputy Speaker, Parliament shall proceed to the election of a Deputy Speaker or Deputy Chairperson of Committees, as the case may be. Accordingly, the new Deputy Speaker was appointed in Parliament today.”