The resignation of State Minister Ajith Nivard Cabraal from Parliament to enable his return to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) as its Governor made way for speculation over the individual who would fill the parliamentary National List slot if and when vacant. Two names were being tossed around as contenders for the National List slot – namely, former MP Jayantha Ketagoda (who recently resigned from his National List slot to make way for Basil Rajapaksa) and Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Yoshitha Rajapaksa. While some reports on social media noted that Rajapaksa would fill the slot, some other reports stated that Ketagoda would be the popular choice. However, when social media reports were being widely circulated on Rajapaksa’s possible appointment, several inquiries were made from him (Rajapaksa) by various quarters on whether he would actually be entering Parliament. After listening to all comments and questions, Rajapaksa laughed and said that it was all a joke.

Source: The Nation September 11, 2021 19:07 UTC