Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has reportedly sought the opinion on UPFA General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera on appointing Dinesh Gunawardena as the Opposition Leader. 

The speaker received a request from the Joint Opposition to appoint MP Dinesh Gunawardena as the Opposition Leader in Parliament replacing TNA Leader R. Samanthan. 

Dunawardena, a Joint Opposition stalwart, got elected to Parliament on the UPFA ticket. 

The UPFA, however, is still a coalition partner of the national unity government.

Therefore, the UPFA General Secretary's opinion on Gunawardena's appointment will be taken into consideration by the Speaker when making his final decision.