1 September 2022 12:48 am Views - 152
By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana
Thirteen SLPP members led by Professor G. L. Peiris sat in the opposition changing the composition of Parliament yesterday. Those who sat in opposition included Professor Peiris, Dullas Alahapperuma, Professor Channa Jayasumana, Professor Charitha Herath, Dr.Nalaka Godahewa, Dr.Upul Galappaththi, Dr.Thilak Rajapakshe, Dilan Perera, Udayanga Kirinigoda, Wasantha Yapa Abeywardena and K.P Kumarasiri.
Professor Peiris made an announcement on their decision and left the chambers and re-entered from the opposition side. They were greeted by the opposition members including leader of opposition Sajith Premadasa. “This is only the beginning as more members of the government will join the opposition later,” Premadasa said. “This is not anything new as this group functioned separately within the government. I have been in Parliament for 30 years and have seen many MPs shifting sides. Therefore this is nothing new,” Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena responded.
The ruling party is left with 122 seats while there are a total of 100 members in the opposition.