PARLIAMENT

The Maha Sangha who arrived in Parliament today morning (21) delivered blessings to the new Speaker Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.

The Maha Sangha, including Ven. Murutthettuwe Ananda Thera, the chief incumbent of Abhayarama in Narahenpita, chanted Pirith to invoke blessings on the Speaker and delivered an anusasana on the importance of the new post.

Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, who was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the 9th Parliament yesterday, is the 11th Speaker of the Parliament. Mr. Abeywardena first entered Parliament from the Hakmana electorate in 1983 and has been a Member of Parliament for more than two decades.

He was also the Chief Minister of the Southern Province. He is a distinguished alumnus of Thelijjawila Vidyalaya and Rahula Vidyalaya, Matara. He was selected to the University of Colombo for his higher education. He is a planter by profession.