Parliamentary Offices & Leadership

Hon. Sunil Wijeratne

Chairman (6th Council)

Hon. Yasapala Koralage
(Deputy Chairman)

01. The Presiding Chair

Office of the Chairman & Deputy Chairman

The Honourable Chairman is the chief presiding dignitary of the Council. Vested with comprehensive authority to preside over sittings, interpret standing orders, preserve decorum, and safeguard the privileges of members, the Chairman acts as an impartial arbiter. A Deputy Chairman is elected from among members to assist and preside in the Chairman's absence.

Statutory Foundation: Section 8 of the Provincial Councils Act No. 42 of 1987 and Standing Order No. 4.

Hon. Hector Bethmage

Leader of the House

02. Treasury Benches Leadership

Office of the Leader of the House

The Leader of the House assists the Chairman in arranging the business of the assembly, leading government legislation, allocating debate speaking times in consultation with the opposition, and liaising between the Board of Ministers and the Council.

Primary Responsibility: Government business scheduling and ministerial liaison.

Hon. L. Sudath Manju Sri Arangala

Leader of the Opposition

03. Opposition Leadership

Office of the Leader of the Opposition

Heading the collective opposition groups, the Leader of the Opposition scrutinizes executive action, leads debates on public importance, and proposes policy alternatives. The Leader of the Opposition enjoys status, allowances, and official facilities equivalent to a Provincial Minister.

Status: Protocol privileges and facilities equivalent to a Provincial Minister.