Sri Lanka’s Parliament is set to appoint a new Speaker tomorrow (Dec. 17) to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of MP Asoka Ranwala. The selection process will begin when Parliament convenes for a two-day session on December 17 and 18, with nominations to be submitted on the first day.

The ruling party has proposed three potential candidates for the role: Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih, MP Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, and MP Nihal Galappaththi. A final decision is expected following a meeting of the ruling party Parliamentary group today (Dec. 15).

The opposition has announced plans to nominate their own candidate for the position. However, former MP Ashu Marasinghe criticized the idea of selecting a Speaker aligned with the opposition.

This vacancy follows the resignation of Speaker Asoka Ranwala on December 13, citing controversy over his educational qualifications. His resignation, accepted by the President, marks the first time in the nation’s history that a Speaker has stepped down from the role.