Minister Dinesh Gunawardena took oaths as the Chief Government Whip in Parliament this morning (June 20). The occasion was marked by the chanting of seth pirithi by the Maha Sangha, led by Ven. Bellanwila Wimalarathana.

Minister Gunawardena, speaking at the occasion, pledged to do his utmost to safeguard the Motherland, to uphold the rights of the citizenry and to conduct all parliamentary affairs with propriety and efficiency.

The post was left vacant by the assassination of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and Minister Gunawardena was the unanimous choice to succeed him.