By: Isuru Parakrama

November 21, Colombo (LNW): The Tenth Parliament of Sri Lanka has officially opened its doors with a ceremonial inauguration earlier today (21).

The event commenced with the sounding of the quorum bell at 9:55 a.m., and Parliament convened promptly at 10:00 a.m.

The Secretary-General of Parliament presented the extraordinary gazette notifications issued by the President, officially setting the date and time for the first session.

The session’s opening proceedings saw the formal election of the Speaker, in accordance with Article 64(1) of the Constitution and Parliamentary Standing Orders.

Following this, Members of Parliament were sworn in, and the elections for the Deputy Speaker and the Deputy Chairperson of Committees took place.

On this inaugural day, Members are allowed to sit in any available seat as no seating arrangements have been pre-designated.

After completing these initial formalities, Parliament was temporarily suspended, allowing for the ceremonial aspect of the occasion to unfold. At 11:30 a.m., President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will take the Speaker’s Chair to present the Government’s Policy Statement, a key moment in the proceedings.

This address will be delivered in line with the provisions outlined in Articles 32(4) and 33 of the Constitution, marking a significant step in the new parliamentary session.

The ceremonial proceedings have been meticulously organised under the President’s instructions, as outlined by the Parliament’s Communications Department.

Guests and dignitaries were seated by 11:00 a.m., with the Speaker expected to arrive at 11:10 a.m., followed shortly by the Prime Minister.

The President’s arrival is scheduled for 11:20 a.m., when he will be formally welcomed by both the Speaker and the Secretary-General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.

Once welcomed, the President will be escorted to the Robing Room by the Serjeant-at-Arms and Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms, and the procession will proceed with the mace, followed by the President, the Speaker, and the Secretary-General.

This ceremonial opening sets the tone for the sessions ahead as Parliament begins its work for the country.