The ruling coalition in Sri Lanka is confident of surviving the first coup d’tat in parliament after 40 MPs withdrew their support for the government. The victory of Ranjit Siyambalapitiya in the election of the Deputy Speaker with the support of the ruling Sri Lanka People’s Party (SLPP) boosted the confidence of the Gotabhaya government. Ranjith is a member of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party led by former President Maithripala Sirisena. Ranjith, who resigned as the Deputy Speaker following the outcry against the government, returned to the same post with the support of the same parties. Maithripala, who initially came out against the government, is now friends with the government.
Ranjit defeated Imtiaz Barkir Markar of Samagi Janabalavega by 148-65 votes. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa has accused the new deputy speaker of being a puppet of the government. With two no-confidence motions against the government coming up next week, there is a change in the strength of the House.