Sumathipala's name was proposed by the former Leader of the Opposition Nimal Siripala de Silva and seconded by MP Rauff Hakeem.

The first sitting of the First Session of the Eighth Parliament commenced under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena today. at 9.00 a.m.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena is due to present the Statement of Government Policy at the Ceremonial Sittings of the First Session of the Eighth Parliament on Tuesday, 01st September 2015 at 3.00 p.m.