Thu Nov 21 08:17:50 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka’s NPP Sweeps to Power, Ushering in New Era of Parliament

**Colombo, Sri Lanka –** Sri Lanka’s National People’s Power (NPP) party has inaugurated a new era in Sri Lankan politics following their landslide victory in the November 14th elections. The party’s historic win, securing 159 out of 225 seats in parliament, marks the first time a government has achieved a two-thirds majority since 1989.

Thursday marked the convening of the 10th parliament since 1978, with the NPP’s Ashoka Ranwala elected as the new Speaker, a position he assumes despite being a first-time parliament member. This is unprecedented in Sri Lankan history, as is the election of Rizwie Salih as Deputy Speaker and Himali Weerasekera as Deputy Chairman of the Committee – all three are newcomers to parliament.

Speaker Ranwala, a chemical engineer and former trade union leader, represents the NPP’s decades-long public activism. The party’s sweeping victory also brought a large number of first-time members to both government and opposition benches.

Sajith Premadasa from the main opposition party has been recognized as the Leader of the Opposition. Following the ceremonial appointments, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is expected to present his policy statement at a reconvened session later today. The President constitutionally chairs the opening sessions of parliament.

Read More