PARLIAMENT

A ceremony to unveil the portrait of the late President Hon. D.B. Wijetunga, was held at the Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Parliament complex on 11-02-2016 at 11.00 a.m. It was held under the patronage of the His Excellency President Maithripala Sirisena.

The ceremony which was graced by Ministers and Members of Parliament including the Hon. Prime Minister Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Hon. Speaker Mr. Karu Jayasuriya, Hon. Deputy Speaker Mr. Thilanga Sumathipala, Hon. Deputy Chairman of Committees Mr. Selvam Adaikkalanathan, Hon. Leader of the House Mr. Lakshman Kiriella, Hon. Leader of the Opposition Mr. Rajavarothiam Sampanthan and Hon. Chief Government Whip Mr. Gayantha Karunatileka, was also attended by the relatives of former President late Hon. D.B. Wijetunga.

The His Excellency President was received by the Hon. Speaker, Secretary General of Parliament and Serjeant-at-arms, after which the Hon. Speaker delivered the welcome speech.

The His Excellency President upon being invited by the Hon. Speaker, unveiled the portrait. Afterwards, the His Excellency President, Hon. Prime minister and Hon. Leader of the Opposition made speeches.

The vote of thanks was delivered by a relative of former President late Hon. D.B. Wijetunga and was followed by a tea party.

Hon. D.B. Wijetunga first entered Parliament by contesting for the Udunuwara seat in the General Election held in 1965, as a member of United National Party. He served in Parliament for 20 years and held in various Ministerial portfolios during 1977-1978 and 1978-1988 and in 1989 he became the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and served up to 1993. In 1993, he was appointed as the President of Sri Lanka and held the office till 1994.

Born on 15th February 1916, he passed away on 21st September 2008 at the age of 92 years and seven months.