Dayasiri removed as Deputy Chief Opp. Whip

By Chamitha Kuruppu

Controversial United National Party parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekera was removed from his post of Deputy Chief Opposition Whip by the Advisory Committee that met yesterday. Party  Leader Ranil Wickremsinghe, who headed the meeting, informed the committee that various statements made by Jayasekera to the media had created more chaos in the party and therefore an inquiry needs to be conducted against him. Wickremesinghe had further pointed out that until the inquiry is over, Jayasekera could not be allowed to hold his current position, according to informed sources.

However, Deputy Leader Sajith Premedasa had protested against the decision and suggested to keep the position vacant until the inquiry into Jayasekera was over. Wickremsinghe had said he was unable to keep any of the positions in the party vacant and was therefore compelled to finalise all appointments yesterday.

As a result Kaluthara district parliamentarian Ajith P. Perera was appointed Deputy Organiser of the party. Meanwhile, Ravi Karunanayake was appointed to the Working Committee for the position vacant following the crossover of Mohan Lal Grero. Although Sajith Premedasa suggested Karu Jayasuriya to be appointed to the position – Wickremsinghe stated that without a request from Jayasuriya, he was unable to take such decision.

The committee appointed Kabir Hasheem as Senior Vice President and K. Welaydan as Vice President of the party. Ananda Kularathna was appointed as the Assistant Secretary.