Former Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara was sworn in as Sabaragamuwa Province Governor before President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday (21).

Lokubandara succeeds Janaka Priyantha Bandara who has been appointed a Member of the Parliament from the National List.

Lokubandara made his debut appearance in Parliament defeating his opponent and Former Health Minister of United Front Government. He held the portfolios of Cultural Affairs, Education and Media under President Ranasinghe Premadasa Government and became the Chief Opposition Whip when the People's Alliance came into power in 1994.

Subsequently he became the Minister of Justice and Law Reform when UNP regained power in 2001. He is a lawyer by profession.