Sri Lanka’s new President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa Friday declared open his first parliamentary session in a simple yet dignified ceremony.
The ceremonial opening of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament commenced at 10.00 a.m. on Friday with the arrival of the Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa followed by the President.
The Speaker and the Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayaka welcomed the President at the main steps of the Parliament building, which was followed by the hoisting of the national flag by the President.
The inauguration of the new session was special as it was held in a modest manner without the traditional 21-gunsalute and military honors on the instructions of the President. More than 600 invited guests were present at the event.
A special seat was set up for the President in Parliament this year. Previously, the Speaker had been given a prominent seat, but this time the President seated on a special seat above the Speaker bearing the State Emblem. The President presented his manifesto in Parliament, “The Vision of Prosperity” instead of the state address.
Presenting the policy manifesto, the President said the country’s independence would not be compromised and in order to safeguard the security, sovereignty, stability and integrity of the country, it is essential that changes be made to the existing constitution.
“According to our policies, national security has been given priority. Accordingly, suitable places have been given to the competent officials. Intelligence units have been strengthened to do this. We have established a close link between the armed forces and the police. This should be made a country free of underworld operatives, drug traffickers and rapists.”
The President further stated that Parliament should be made an exemplary venue to identify the issues of the masses and for discussion of national policy.
