The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) decided that its leader, R Sampanthan should be appointed as 'Leader of the Opposition in Parliament' on Monday following a meeting of its parliamentary group, despite opposition to this from the SLFP.
Since Sri Lanka's general election earlier this month, the TNA has called for it to be given the position of leader of the opposition, arguing that given the SLFP's decision to form a unity government with the UNP, the TNA was the party in opposition with the highest number of seats.
The SLFP rejected this at the weekend, arguing that as the second highest number of members, it alone would be able to claim that position.
During the TNA's meeting on Monday, it was also decided that the TNA MP, Selvam Adaikalanathan would be appointed as Deputy Chairman of Committees, MA Sumanthiran would be the TNA spokesperson, Sivagnanam Sritharan would be the secretary and Dharmalingam Siddharthan would be the party whip.
Since Sri Lanka's general election earlier this month, the TNA has called for it to be given the position of leader of the opposition, arguing that given the SLFP's decision to form a unity government with the UNP, the TNA was the party in opposition with the highest number of seats.
The SLFP rejected this at the weekend, arguing that as the second highest number of members, it alone would be able to claim that position.
During the TNA's meeting on Monday, it was also decided that the TNA MP, Selvam Adaikalanathan would be appointed as Deputy Chairman of Committees, MA Sumanthiran would be the TNA spokesperson, Sivagnanam Sritharan would be the secretary and Dharmalingam Siddharthan would be the party whip.