By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

Ajith Mannapperuma was sworn in as an MP before Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene yesterday filling the seat vacated by MP Ranjan Ramanayake who was convicted for Contempt of Court.   

Mr. Mannapperuma came fifth in the Gampaha District at the last general election, obtaining 47,212 preferential votes.   

Security General of Parliament Dammika Dassanayake sent a letter to the Chairman of Election Commission on Tuesday stating that Mr. Ramanayake had ceased to be an MP upon his conviction for Contempt of Court in January, this year. 

Mr. Mannapperuma’s name was gazetted on Thursday evening.