Deputy Speaker says he will not resign

Deputy Speaker Ranjith Siyambalapitiya informed parliament that he would continue to funtion as the deputy speaker of Parliament following a request of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

He told Parliament making a special statement that the President refused to accept his resignation and requested him to remain in the position to ensure parliamentary democracy at this crucial time.

He said he accepted the President's request on condition that he would remain in the position only till the end April this year and would not entertain any privilege or perks entitled to the post of deputy speaker.

He said he rendered his resignation to the President on April 5 following the decision of the SLFP to be independent in Parliament and resign from all government positions. (Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)