Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has appointed Nimal Siripala de Silva, the Senior Vice Chairman, as the acting Chairman of the party. This decision comes in the wake of former President Maithripala Sirisena being barred from holding the post by the court, following a case filed by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.

Former President Sirisena's disqualification from the position has left a void in the leadership of the SLFP, prompting the political bureau to appoint de Silva as the Acting Chairman. Mr. de Silva, a seasoned politician and a key figure within the party, is expected to provide leadership during this period of transition.

The decision to appoint de Silva was made during a political bureau meeting held at the SLFP headquarters today. Significantly, former President Kumaratunga, who played a pivotal role in the legal proceedings that led to  Sirisena's disqualification, was present at the meeting.