Dinesh nominated as Leader of the House, Johnston Chief Govt. Whip

• Party leaders urge President to expedite appointment of heads of govt. institutions

By Lahiru Pothmulla   

The government party leaders’ group which met yesterday has nominated Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardane as the Leader of the House.   

Meanwhile, Ports and Shipping Minister Johnston Fernando was nominated as the Chief Government Whip.The meeting of the party leaders of the government commenced at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The party leaders have also told the President that the appointment of heads of state institutions and statutory bodies should also be expedited. The meeting of the Government Working Group commenced prior to the party leaders meeting.   

Since this year is an election year, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has told the MPs to get ready for it.   

In addition MPs Ashu Marasinghe, Hactor Appuhamy and Sydney Jayaratne were appointed as assistant whips. Some of the MPs who spoke to journalists after the meeting said the UNF parliamentary group also decided to support all progressive steps taken by the government for the betterment of the country.   

This was revealed by MP Mujibur Rahaman and Kavinda Jayawardene who spoke to journalists after the meeting.   

 Asked whether MP Rajitha Senaratne would attend Parliamentary sessions today, the MPs said they are not aware of the situation as that had not come under discussion during yesterday’s meeting.