Two-cornered contest for Dy Speaker post, but consensus possible

The stage has been set for a two cornered contest for the Deputy Speaker’s post in Parliament, but political parties may opt to reach a consensus on the post. 

By last night the names of Mr Ajith Rajapaksa from the ruling SLPP and Ms Rohini Kaviratne from the opposition SJB had been proposed.

But, negotiations were underway to see if the post could be filled without conducting an election like the last time when Mr Ranjith Siyambalapitiya was selected.

Timesonline learns that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was in favour of reaching a consensus for the post and said that it would be good to give the opportunity for a female to hold the post.

However, it was not clear if the SLPP which holds the majority was favourable to the proposal. 

Mr Wickremesinghe has already written to the Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa inviting him to join hands with a ‘partyless Government’ that would go beyond the current political framework. 
 
In a related development, the Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) said that Prime Minister Wickremesinghe's proposal to appoint a woman as the Deputy Speaker is a timely move.

CaFFE Director, Surangi Ariyawansha said that this would empower the women in Parliament.
She said that there is less than 6 per cent of women in Parliament adding that the political parties are hesitant to give women nominations or appoint them as National List MPs. Affirmative action has increased the percentage of women in local councils to 23. 

However, she said that women still lag behind in Provincial Councils and Parliament. Ariyawansha said that women should be encouraged to contribute to the formulation of laws. Political parties must play a more active role in this.
 
“Appointing a woman as Deputy Speaker is timely and enhance women's role in Parliament,”  she said.