A colourful yet simple ceremony
 

BY Bharatha Malawaraarachchi and Ranil Wijayapala

THE second session of the sixth Parliament was ceremonially declared open yesterday by President Mahinda Rajapakse in a simple yet impressive ceremony which included a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour by the three Armed Forces.

For President Rajapakse it would certainly have been nostalgic reminiscence all the way to that day in 1970 when he first entered Parliament from Beliatta as the youngest MP.

Three and a half decades later, he occupied the 'throne' of that very same august assembly to deliver his policy speech as the country's Head of State.

It marked yet another milestone in President Rajapakse's eventful political career.

President Rajapakse arrived at the Sri Jayawardenapura Parliamentary complex at 10.07 a.m. escorted by a colourful motorcade replete with motorcycle outriders and mounted escorts amidst tight security in and around Parliament.

Armed Forces personnel stood to attention along the Parliament Drive. The President and the First Lady were received at the entrance by Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara and Secretary General of Parliament Priyani Wijesekera.

Upon arrival, a guard of honour was accorded to the President followed by the national anthem. It was immediately followed by a 21 gun salute.

Thereafter, they were conducted along the red carpet to the Parliament building by the Speaker and Secretary General led by Serjeant-at-Arms Vijaya Palliyaguruge and Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms Anil Samarasekera.

A recital of Jayamangala Gatha was held at the entrance to the Parliament building.

President Rajapakse was then escorted to the Chamber by Speaker Lokubandara, the Secretary General of Parliament, the Deputy Secretary General and the Assistant Secretary General, the Serjeant-at-Arms and the Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms. He then presided over the ceremonial sittings of Parliament.

The Secretary General read out the proclamation summoning Parliament.

President Rajapakse then began his policy statement in the House amidst applause from both sides of the divide. The newly appointed Ministers sans Tourism Minister Anura Bandaranaike who is attending the Commonwealth meeting in Malta, were present.

Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe was also present for a brief period during the policy statement by President Rajapakse.

All Party leaders except SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem and CWC leader Arumugan Thondaman were present in the House when President Rajapakse made his policy statement.

With the conclusion of the President's address, sittings were suspended and President Rajapakse was escorted from the Chamber by the Speaker, Secretary General preceded by the Serjeant-at-Arms and Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms.

Outside, the President was accorded a guard of honour.

The national anthem followed.