NPP MP Vijitha Herath has suggested that the next Prime Minister in a National People’s Power (NPP) government could potentially be a woman.
Speaking at a meeting in Minuwangoda, Herath outlined the NPP’s plans following an anticipated victory on September 21. He stated that after the win, a new Cabinet would be appointed with the authority granted to the President under Article 47.3 of the Constitution, and Parliament would subsequently be dissolved.
Addressing concerns from the opposition, who questioned how the NPP would govern if Anura Kumara Dissanayake were elected President, Herath explained the process. “Once Anura becomes President, Lakshman Nipunaarachchi, next in line from the Colombo District based on preferential votes, will be sworn in as a new MP. We can then form a four-member Cabinet. A new Prime Minister will be appointed, who could be either male or female,” he clarified.
Herath cited Switzerland’s example, noting that the country has successfully operated with a seven-member Cabinet. He emphasized that a four-member Cabinet could effectively govern for two months until a new Cabinet is appointed after parliamentary elections.
He also addressed doubts about whether the NPP has enough prominent figures capable of serving as MPs, emphasizing the party’s wealth of professionals, including doctors, engineers, and lawyers, ready to represent the NPP in Parliament.
“Did any of you know Harini Amarasuriya before she became an MP? She was relatively unknown, but now she is recognized across the country. We have many such individuals who can make significant contributions,” Herath said.