Hon. Harshan Suriyapperuma, National List Member of Parliament for the Jathika Jana Balawegaya (NPP) and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, has tendered his resignation from Parliament.
The Secretary-General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadeera, has formally informed the Chairman of the Election Commission of this development.
According to Deputy Minister Suriyapperuma’s resignation letter, his departure is effective from June 20, 2025. Consequently, the Secretary-General has informed the Election Commission Chairman that the seat of (Dr.) Harshan Suriyapperuma’s seat in the Tenth Parliament is now vacant, as per Section 64(5) of the Parliamentary Elections Act No. 1 of 1981.
Reports indicate that two names have been proposed within the Jathika Jana Balawegaya for the vacant parliamentary seat. These include Mr. Wimal Ketippeaarachchi, who contested and lost the last general election representing the Colombo District, and Attorney-at-Law Upul Kumarapperuma, who similarly contested and lost representing the Matara District.
However, intellectuals supporting the Jathika Jana Balawegaya are advocating for the nomination of Attorney-at-Law Lal Wijenayake. Mr. Wijenayake serves as the Secretary of the United Left Front, which supports the NPP, and is also a member of the Jathika Jana Balawegaya’s Executive Committee.
Furthermore, these scholars propose the establishment of a new Ministry of Constitutional Affairs under Attorney-at-Law Lal Wijenayake, with the mandate to introduce a new constitution as promised in the ‘A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life’ policy statement.
InfoSriLanka.lk has learned that a final decision on this matter is expected today.
