Kiriella - new Chief Opposition Whip?
<p>[September 20 2010]



<P>Kandy District MP Lakshman Kriella is expected to replace John Amaratunga as the Chief Opposition Whip, UNP sources told the Observer Online. 


<P>Amidst speculation that Chief Opposition Whip Amaratunga may cross over to the government following his current tour in the United States, the UNP is planning to bring Kiriella to replace the veteran Gampaha District parliamentarian.

<P>The Chief Opposition Whip earlier accepted an invitation from President Mahinda Rajapaksa to be in the entourage of the President to the US but later turned it down due to pressure from the party seniors. Subsequently, Amaratunga had told the UNP leadership that he would go to US on a private visit to see his daughter who is residing there.