Sinhalese appointed to deceased SLMC MP’s position

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 09 October 2001, 17:21 GMT]
The Sri Lanka's ruling People's Alliance has nominated a Sinhalese to the vacancy created by the death of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) parliamentarian, Mr.Risvie Sinnalebbe. Former assistant secretary of the Presidential Secretariat S.Rampukala was sworn in as the new parliamentarian before the Speaker Mr.Anura Bandaranaike, Tuesday morning.

Mr.Risvie Sinnalebbe was made a National List parliamentarian soon after the October 2000 general election as a mark of gratitude to the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress that worked hard for the victory of the People's Alliance.

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress was a constituent party of the ruling PA. It withdrew its support in June this year following the removal of the SLMC leader Mr.Rauff Hakeem from the cabinet by President Chandrika Kumaratunge.

The appointment of Mr.Rampukala has, however, not changed the parliamentary strength of the ruling coalition as another PA parliamentarian, Mr.Bandula Gunawardene crossed over to the opposition Tuesday morning.

Mr.Risvie Sinnalebbe was one of the seven parliamentarians who left the ruling party along with Mr.Rauff Hakeem. The untimely death of Mr.Risvie Sinnalebbe has now reduced the SLMC's strength in parliament from seven to six.