Parliamentary traditions changed for Thursday’s opening

By Yohan Perera

Some of the traditions involved in opening of a new Parliament has been changed, sources said yesterday. This has been done to make the opening ceremony as simple as possible.   

Sergeant –at –Arms Kushan Jayaratne told Daily Mirror that some traditions that have been carried out in connection with opening of Parliament has been done away with this time.

“There will be no military parade at the Parliamentary premises while singing of Jaya Mangala Gatha will also not be held at the opening of the new Parliament on Thursday November 21,” Mr. Jayaratne said.   

It was reported that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will be welcomed and taken into the waiting room from where he will be escorted to the chambers where he will make the policy statement.   

The Speaker is also expected to be elected during the sessions on Thursday. Newly appointed Ministers Bimal Ratnayake has been appointed Leader of the House while Nalinda Jayatissa has been appointed as Chief Government Whip.