Will Sampanthan lose his Leader of the Opposition Post today?

In context of Parliament being convened today, it is widely rumoured that the Common opposition led by Mahindha will make another bid to de-throne the Opposition Leader, Sampanthan. In the confusion caused by the LG Election results, a situation has been created where the SLFP and the Common opposition may come together.

It also said that they have joined forces to remove the Coalition Government, and to prevent UNP forming the Government. In this context, the Mahindha faction had met Maithri and pledged full support for the SLFP to form the Government but they will not accept portfolios. Accordingly, they have decided to sit on the opposition side and thereby claim, the Leader of the Opposition post held by Sampanthan and the ‘Chief Whip of Opposition held by Anura Kumara of the JVP.

As Parliament is to convene today, it is expected that these factions will act in conjunction and form a government and even if they cannot elect Siripala de Silva as the Prime Minister, they are aiming at capturing the Leader of the Opposition post from Sampanthan and the Chief  Whip post from Anura Kumara.

While it is expected that the speaker Garu Jayasooriya will making an announcement of not convening the Parliament, Sampanthan may be offered the post of Speaker, if he loses his post of Leader of the Opposition.