The 10th Parliament will hold its opening session today (21st) at 10:00 a.m. in a simplified manner, according to parliamentary sources. Traditional elements such as a military parade, a guard of honor, and the chanting of *Jayamangala Gatha* to welcome the President have been omitted to keep the event modest.
The session will begin with the quorum bell ringing at 9:55 a.m., followed by the commencement of parliamentary proceedings. After the Mace is placed in the Chamber by Serjeant-at-Arms Mr. Kushan Jayaratne, the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadheera, will present the Extraordinary Gazette Notification issued by the President fixing the date and time of the meeting.
The day’s agenda includes the election of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Deputy Chairperson of Committees. The Speaker and Members of Parliament will take their oaths in accordance with Article 64 (1) of the Constitution and Standing Orders 4, 5, and 6 of Parliament.
On this first day of the Tenth Parliament, members will not have assigned seating, allowing them to choose their seats freely.
The session will be temporarily suspended after these initial proceedings. At 11:30 a.m., President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to present the Government’s Policy Statement to Parliament, in line with Articles 32 (4) and 33 of the Constitution.
The Secretary General has requested all Members of Parliament to arrive at the Parliament Complex by 9:00 a.m. to attend the inaugural meeting.
