The Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake has informed the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, in writing that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has accepted the resignation of Speaker Asoka Ranwala.
The newly elected Speaker of the Tenth Parliament, Asoka Ranwala, had informed the President in writing that he would resign from his post.
In terms of Article 64(2) of the Constitution, if a Member holding office as the Speaker, Deputy Speaker or Deputy Chairman of a Committee resigns his office, he should notify the President in writing.
Dr. Kumanayake has given this written communication to the Secretary General of Parliament, a media release issued by the Department of Communication of Parliament stated yesterday.
Political observers said that the appointment of a new Speaker to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Asoka Ranwala will take place on December 17.
Parliament is scheduled to convene on December 17, and it is expected that the relevant nominations for the appointment of a new Speaker will be submitted on that day.
