PARLIAMENT

The ceremonial sitting of the first session of the 9th Parliament declared open in a simple and charm manner at 3.00pm yesterday presided by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The government policy statement was presented by the President at 3.00 pm

The invited dignitaries arrived at 02.15 pm and elected MPs first arrived at the premises. Post arrival of the new Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardhana, Prime Minister Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived around 2.30 pm and thereafter H.E the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived.

The President’s arrival to the Parliament took place in a very simple and charming manner on the instruction of President. There were no gun salutes or vehicle parades and a cultural pageant took place to greet the Hon. President.

The new Speaker of Parliament and the Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake received His Excellency the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the main steps of the Parliament Building.

The President was accompanied to the House of Parliament by the Serjeant-at-Arms, Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms, Assistant Serjeant-at-Arms followed by the Speaker of Parliament and the Secretary General of Parliament. The students of Devi Balika Vidyalaya Colombo recited Jayamangala Gatha at the main entrance of the Parliament Building in welcoming H.E the President.

Thereafter the presided was accompanied to the Chamber of Parliament and the President delivered the government Policy Statement as provided by Article 33(2) of the Constitution which lasted for 30 minutes. Then the House adjourned until 9.30 am today.