Ceremonial opening of 10th Parliament to go down in history

• It will also go down in history as the legislature with highest number of female MPs. The New Parliament comprises 22 female members

By Yohan Perera   
The ceremonial opening of the tenth Parliament today will go down in history for a number of reasons as it is set to be different after more than a half a century.   
The tenth Parliament will see 160 new MPs who will be entering the House for the first time. It will also go down in history as the legislature with highest number of female MPs. The New Parliament comprises 22 female members.   

Another first is the absence of military honors or gun salutes and recital of Jaya Mangala Gatha according to Serjeant-at-Arms Kushan Jayaratne.   
These changes were made for the first time in history following the instructions of the President. Sri Lankan Parliamentary tradition has been subjected to changes since its inception. One example is the tradition of a throne speech and the subsequent vote was which done away with the present constitution since 1978.. However an adjournment debate took place on the policy statement made by Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2020 but without a vote.   
The house will convene at 10:00 a.m. following the sounding of the quorum Bell at 9:55 a.m., After the placing the mace in the chamber, the Secretary-General of Parliament will present the Extraordinary Gazette Notifications issued by the President, setting the date and time for the session, as the first Order of Business.   
The Speaker will be elected as per the provisions of Article 64(1) of the Constitution and Parliamentary Standing Orders 4, 5, and 6. Subsequently, the Speaker will take the oath or affirmation, followed by Members of Parliament taking their oaths or affirmations, and thereafter, the Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chairperson of Committees will be elected. On the first day, Members are free to sit in any seat of their choice, as no seating arrangements are pre-assigned, which is a unique feature.   
Following the initial formalities, Parliament will be temporarily suspended. At 11:30 a.m. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will preside over the Speaker’s Chair and present the Government’s Policy Statement in accordance with Articles 32(4) and 33 of the Constitution.   
Guests are expected to be seated by approximately 11:00 a.m. The Speaker is scheduled to be welcomed at 11:10 a.m. near the main staircase of the Parliament building. At 11:15 a.m., the Prime Minister will be received, followed by the President’s arrival shortly after.   
At 11:20 a.m., the Speaker and the Secretary-General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadeera, will formally welcome President Anura Kumara Dissanayake near the main staircase. The President will then be escorted to the Robbin Room by the Serjeant-at-Arms and Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms, thereafter leading the procession with carrying the mace, followed by the President, the Speaker, and the Secretary-General.   
Once in the Chamber, the President will preside over the Speaker’s Chair. The Speaker will then take the seat alongside the Secretary General during this occasion. The President will deliver the Government’s Policy Statement, after which the session is expected to adjourn.   
Distinguished guests, including foreign diplomats, have been invited for this inaugural session. According to the Serjeant-at-Arms Kushan Jayaratne, invitations for the event were sent electronically e -invitations) for the first time.