Parliament to be dissolved tonight

24 September 2024 06:59 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 56 Bookmark

A A A

- An interim cabinet of four ministers to be appointed today

- Dr. Harini Amarasuriya to be appointed as Prime Minister

- Parliamentary Election to be held in December

- If NPP wins, new PM will be the one who gets highest votes and gathers most support in Parliament

- President to keep key portfolios such as Finance, Justice, Tourism, Investment Promotion

By JAMILA HUSAIN and AJITH SIRIWARDENA

Parliament will be dissolved tonight and a Parliamentary Election will be held by December, the Daily Mirror exclusively learns.

Following the resignation of Dinesh Gunawardena as the Prime Minister yesterday, a senior source from the National People’s Power (NPP) said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will today appoint an interim cabinet of four ministers, including himself, where 15 portfolios will be divided within them.

According to a list exclusively obtained by the Daily Mirror, President Dissanayake will keep the Tourism, Defence, Finance, Justice, Industry and Investment Promotion portfolios while the Prime Minister will become the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education, and Mass Media among others.

NPP MP Dr. Harini Amarasuriya will be sworn in as the Prime Minister while senior MP Vijitha Herath and newly sworn-in MP Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi will be appointed as ministers with several portfolios each.

Nipuna Arachchi took his oaths as an MP yesterday, filling the vacancy created by Anura Kumara Dissanayake in the Colombo electorate.

Sources from the NPP camp said that a Parliamentary election will be held after two months, that is in December, and after the President dissolves Parliament he will set the date as to when nominations will be called. After this date, the Elections Commission will give a period of 10 to 17 days to call for nominations.

After President Dissanayake dissolves Parliament, he will also announce the date of when the new Parliament will convene after the Parliamentary Election, which is likely to be in January.

President Dissanayake who was sworn in as the 9th Executive President yesterday morning following his victory in the Presidential Election met the tri-forces commanders for a meeting soon after and then his senior party members.

He then travelled to the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy to seek blessings and then travelled to Tambuttegama to see his aged mother.

The Daily Mirror learns that after he dissolves Parliament tonight the NPP will plan to begin their campaign for the Parliamentary Election.

If the NPP wins the Parliamentary Election in December, the Daily Mirror learns that the MP who has won the highest number of votes from his or her electorate and who wins the highest support among the government parliamentarians will be appointed as the new Prime Minister.

Comments - 56

Rakitha W Tuesday, 24 September 2024 07:20 AM

Slowly but surely, words delivered are materialising, silencing the 'professional pessimists.'

17 147

Michel Janz - Snr. Economist from UK Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:22 AM

His Excellency President does everything methodically and systematically and the public should not worry about anything as they trusted him and appointed him as our Leader. Dissolving the Parliament is the best option, and we pray that 90% of the existing rogues will be filtered and thrown out and about 10% will remain from the civilized professionals.

3 26

Lionel Wendt Where? Tuesday, 24 September 2024 07:25 AM

Harini as PM is an excellent choice. She is well spoken, intelligent and a figure truly worthy of the office. I hope her appointment will convince my fellow Colom-bots who are singing RW's praises on repeat that there are clean, intelligent people at the wings.

23 140

Steven Tuesday, 24 September 2024 07:38 AM

Anura too, however much he tried hard to lure the minority vote, it was finally the sinhala nationalist vote base (who were in wilderness since of late) that eventually turned to him and got him the presidential seat. So clear when looking at the electoral map. By appointing Harini as PM, he is irritating and possibly driving away that force, which he cannot afford when the general election is the next on cards.

120 25

Prem Tuesday, 24 September 2024 07:58 AM

What "highest number of votes from electorate"? Only way for Harini to enter parliament will be again through national list.

45 28

Judge Tuesday, 24 September 2024 08:01 AM

Hope his team won't be like the one Gota had. Gota was ruined by the team around him. For SL, now or never!

3 64

Hela Yaka Tuesday, 24 September 2024 08:01 AM

NPP better tread wisely! If the opposition (SJB, UNP) and others somehow manage to work together just to topple the NPP, and people vote along party lines (they pretty much did that for the just concluded presidential election), the opposition just may manage to get 2/3 of the parliament seats. If that happens, they can move a no-confidence motion against AKD, get rid of him, and elect one of their own as the president. Then, all the hopes of, and efforts by, the suffering masses will come to nought! NPP, tread wisely!

7 74

love mother land Tuesday, 24 September 2024 08:17 AM

your paper one who led Ranil's defeat, Prasent 42% president-elect a terrorist to me - full of lies and spreading anger among Sinhalese - don't accept this divide and rule fox

77 24

Sri Lankan Tuesday, 24 September 2024 08:20 AM

I really hope that the NPP will have a landslide victory at the general election, I see a prosperous Sri Lanka within few years, I know the President has a difficult task as all past rulers messed it up so hard that rectifying isnt that easy. God Bless Sri Lanka, God Bless NPP and God bless Sri Lankans. Hip hip hooray.

20 105

Lokuge Tuesday, 24 September 2024 11:48 AM

Yes , I too agree with you. No doubt he will win the race of parliament election. Here we have note two factors 1. Still the country Tamil population not with the NPP. It's not clear either language barrier or other ethics or some other reason . Any how as Srilankan thay have be with us. The NPp try to gain there confidence too. 2. The other traditional parties will be gathering as a single front and contest against the NPP it also another problem for the NPP . However get rid of the those tasks will be the reality of the for the AKD. Hope there will face the those problems with successfully.

1 17

Rip Winkle Tuesday, 24 September 2024 08:26 AM

Anura evidently isn't going to waste time. Seems like he'd planned everything before the election. From Sirirmavo to Liz Truss, women prime ministers have been a flop. I only hope Dr Harini will change the trend. Hence, I wish her all the very best.

3 70

Perera Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:16 AM

Harini will be PM for only 2 months. In general election whoever gets the highest number of votes, obviously someone from Colombo, will get the PM post.

5 48

Grace Tuesday, 24 September 2024 08:26 AM

Please take over all the vehicles provided by the government and withdraw their security immediately for the MPs after dissolving parliament. Pension for former presidents and all MPs should be stopped. This money could be used for maintenance of government run orphanages and Elders homes.

1 114

Hemantha Tuesday, 24 September 2024 08:27 AM

It seems likely the economy is going to be neglected until after January .....

46 31

Suren Tuesday, 24 September 2024 08:27 AM

It seems the priority at the moment is all about consolidating power.

13 43

Gihan Tuesday, 24 September 2024 08:28 AM

Looks like Harini is to be 'used' for a short while.

37 23

Ramesh Tuesday, 24 September 2024 08:31 AM

Most importantly, prior to the elections those who were in the previous regime and committed fraud, crimes etc. are to be brought to justice. This will prevent furture corruptions. Also there should be a law in the constitution to prevent MPs crossing one party to another in view of getting some benefits.

1 52

M Fernando Tuesday, 24 September 2024 08:31 AM

err... but we can keep the cars and houses, right ?

3 25

Be Fair Tuesday, 24 September 2024 08:31 AM

Worrying factor *If they win*

21 11

ScranjithA Tuesday, 24 September 2024 08:43 AM

Welcome.! Wish every sucess for the new cabinet!

1 46

Rip Winkle Tuesday, 24 September 2024 09:03 AM

Meanwhile, Ranil is (according to news reports), already scheming to sabotage the new presidents future plans by proposing the creation of a common opposition alliance for the upcoming elections.

14 43

Ranjith Tuesday, 24 September 2024 11:04 AM

Forming an major alliance headed by Ranil will be a disaster, it's time to leave Ranil out and SJB should lead the alliance there is no reason to go after Ranil anymore.

1 8

D P P Prasad Tuesday, 24 September 2024 09:07 AM

Before the general election is held The NPP leader along with party hierarchy should widely discuss as to how they increase the 5.6 millions votes what they obtained during recently concluded presidential election up 10 months. If they need to secure a substantial number of seats in the parliament in order to form a strong and stable government. Furthermore sometimes RW may form an alliance with the SJB to grab the parliamentary power Therefore in order to avert such alliance NPP members should launch a from door to door campaign to canvass the people for a better result

2 45

Yohan Tuesday, 24 September 2024 09:09 AM

Good. Sajith should not join with ghost ranil or rejected rajapakshas. Instead either he should contest as usual as sjb or put forward someone that can be marketed as a leader. Probably npp will not get the majority in parliament so it will give some opportunity for sjb to support akd and form a grand alliance with him as ranil is a heavily rejected ghost by people.

21 50

Kanchana Mudalige Tuesday, 24 September 2024 09:33 AM

It’s unwise to compete against each other for the prime minister position. Instead, focus on securing the most seats in the new parliament.

0 31

ANTON Tuesday, 24 September 2024 09:36 AM

HOPE THOSE 225 WILL NOT COME BACK AGAIN.

1 62

Chris Tuesday, 24 September 2024 12:25 PM

Of course who else do you think. People will vote them in.Basil will be back soon .Watch and see how the opposition will scheme to make AKD a fool. He got only 42% whilst 3.5 million did not vote.At the General election who do you think they will vote for?

0 5

John Tuesday, 24 September 2024 12:36 PM

they will come back, given the fact that our people are truly imbeciles.

0 8

Boomeranging Doosra Tuesday, 24 September 2024 02:41 PM

A little too late sir. Atleast one of the 225 is already back in power for 5 years. Two more are taking oaths tomorrow! Never really thought of that did you? This is why we mark our choice with a "Wrong" or kathiray symbol. At every election we select the wrong president with a kathiray.

0 2

Lion Tuesday, 24 September 2024 09:49 AM

We will try our best to elect highest number of NPP candidates in every electorate

13 37

Prof. M.W.M. Somasunderam - from Colombo.3 Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:26 AM

Now NPP will have all Professionals and no doubt next General Election they will get the majority of votes from every districts. We could have a Clean Parliament without rogues, thugs, murderers and drug dealers from SLPP specially manned by Mahinda

0 9

wickrama Wijayasiri Tuesday, 24 September 2024 09:53 AM

Congratulations! Glad that I lived long enough to witness the younger generation stepping forward to rectify the mistakes of our generation. Good luck to you all,

6 46

Toy Story Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:07 AM

They just won. Everyone is pumped up at this early stage. But wait till the novelty wears off. Those who claimed to be self-righteous will be worse than their predecessors.

22 37

C Fernando Tuesday, 24 September 2024 12:51 PM

Fully agree! We are in the "honeymoon phase" with our stupid citizens proclaiming like infatuated teenagers in love, that we have got a "great leader", "uncorrected team" without having first seen what they are capable of. What we have got is essentially a bunch of professional politicians who have never worked at a proper job in their lives, combined with a bunch of academics who live in a bubble, all of whom combined have zero experience of running a country. This will be Gota and Viyath Mage Version 2.

12 7

Nihal Dharmatileke Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:17 AM

Men from Belliatha failed, man from Polonnaruwa, failed, now this one from Thabuthegame another wrong choice.

41 20

Abe Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:29 AM

Much refused executive powers at display!

4 2

Russel Harmmer Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:32 AM

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya is the right choice to be our Prime Minister. We welcome you Madam.

2 10

K.M.D. Ratnayake Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:41 AM

Mr. President your plans are excellent. Please make sure Mahinda, Gotta, Basil and Namal should be thoroughly investigated by CID and recover all the robbed money and the gold these fellows looted

0 11

HADIRA Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:43 AM

Now the immediate priority is to prune down daily local Govt. expenditure amounting to SLR 6.5 billion by cutting all facilities to the MPs of dissolved parliament including huge water electricity bills house rents cars petrol and securities,and salaries etc ..etc

0 11

M.SELVA Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:49 AM

SUMANTHRIN WILL BE THE IDEAL PRIME MINISTER

1 6

Lawyer col 12 Tuesday, 24 September 2024 02:49 PM

Sumanthiran or Sanakkiyan minister of justice or foreign minister.

0 2

History speaks for itself Tuesday, 24 September 2024 03:00 PM

Unfortunately, Sri Lanka will never have a non-Sinhalese president and prime minister. Historically, it has been proven. In such a diverse country, how is it so?

0 2

Dr. W.D.R. Perera Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:52 AM

General Election should be kept either in December 2024 or January 2025 this is a must. We will make NPP to have a landslide victory, Mr. President. New youngsters should enter, and all the old fellows should go into the garbage.

1 6

Rajan V Pillai Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:53 AM

Again, We are going to see the mesmerising dances of Democracy and People's power . Now Ranil will take a U turn and say executive Presidency should be abolished and it as a worst form of Government. Politicians have one tongue when in power and another when not in power. The year 2024 is going to be the greatest year since it is going to be the election to elect leaders with principles and to get rid of politicians who have amassed Billions and living as autionable men. All defeated Political parties will now put their Plan B.

0 1

Ranjith Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:57 AM

SJB forming an alliance with UNP is deadly, UNP and Ranil so unpopular, end of the road for SJB, Now people have understood SJB and NPP are the two main parties in Srilanka. What SJB can to do is get some capable and powerful UNP members who can be elected to parliament.

0 7

P Kunchithapathan Tuesday, 24 September 2024 11:29 AM

It is a prudent decision to dissolve Parliament in order to oust the notorious Rajapaksa family and their associates. The notion of a coalition between Ranil and the SJB is nothing more than wishful thinking, as neither side trusts the other. The public has grown increasingly intolerant of Ranil, especially due to his questionable ties with the Rajapaksas and his public defense of them. For this reason, the SJB should stand alone and contest the election without forming any coalition. It is sad that Ranil Wickremesinghe spoiled his name by associating with the Rajapakses and tolerating with his UNP senior members involved in mega corruption.

0 9

Suresh Nilan D.B.S. Lumbini Tuesday, 24 September 2024 11:57 AM

Excellent.

2 5

Lk Tuesday, 24 September 2024 12:03 PM

It is not easy for NPP to have a landlady victory if Ranil and Sajith are united ...they have had 6.6 million votes while AKD has had 5.7m ...Here is a teikcy thing. NPP must make some Tamils and Muslims to contest under NPP ticket in Tamil and Muslims areas in north and east to get at least 20 NNP mps from Tamil and Muslims votes ..please some in upcountry areas and I'm sure NPP can get 100 Mps from sinhalalese votes . Any way a master plan is needed

0 6

Kevin Tuesday, 24 September 2024 12:32 PM

If more than 100 current MPs creep back into parliament SL has no real change.

0 7

C Fernando Tuesday, 24 September 2024 12:53 PM

Please note that no one can be called clean if they have not gad the opportunity to rob. It is only when they have had the opportunity to rob and still have not done so, that they can be called clean.

3 7

Sam Tuesday, 24 September 2024 12:53 PM

If Sajith is a smart Cooke then he will not join Ranil and destroy his vote base as well. Ranil is 75 years old still greedy for power move on in life give it to younger generation a chance.

0 9

D E M O'crazy Tuesday, 24 September 2024 12:59 PM

Ref Yohan's comment - Sajit should not go to Ranil's ideas but get Ranil to Sajit's meeting and ideas. After all Sajit got more votes NOT the loser and schemer Ranil. Sajit do not compromise, let the loser Ramil come to you. Sajit have yourself respect. Sajit do not give Ranil to call the shots.

0 1

Trevine Tuesday, 24 September 2024 02:42 PM

Ranil is the cunning fox of Sri Lanka politics. He will not take defeat easily.watch out for the devious sabotage attempts to destabilise the AKD government. He will go to any extreme to bring back the rogues of the past and send the country back beyond where it is if he is allowed to dupe the people and succeed. Wake up people of Sri Lanka.

0 2

Suhada malli Tuesday, 24 September 2024 02:48 PM

Professionals like Dr PBJ, Prof GLP, Dr Padeniya Prof R Bandara, Dr Sudarshani F, Dr Rajith S - We as anation must think beyond our noses when we think of professionals as the solution. We have to filter the flawless and flawed professional. Even in universities we have professor who give marks for body favours etc. So have more solid criterion.

0 0

Citizen2023 Tuesday, 24 September 2024 04:31 PM

Trying to align with UNP Sajith will be digging his own grave as Ranil and his pals in UNP have lost the public confidence since there are rogues in his party, himself and Ravi Karunanayake, both had links with the Bond scam. Most likely Anura will appoint a committee to investigate and also appeal to convince Singapore government to produce Anju Mahendran ( ex CBSL governor) to face trial in SL. Sajith had a good team ti support him and hence he doesn't have go after Ranil n Co to win the General Election in Dec 24.

0 1

GERIATRIC RETIREE WITHOUT PENSION - TAX PAYER SINCE 1975. Tuesday, 24 September 2024 10:56 PM

It is high time the new leadership addressed the Government Servants and "requested" them to perform an honest 8-hour day's work - which should be the beginning of the Road to a Prosperous Sri Lanka. They should be reminded that they are paid by our Income Taxes paid over the years. My Tax File was opened during Year of Assessment 1974/1975. This is the 50th Year of Income Tax Payments!

0 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.