New Parliament assembles tomorrow

By Ashwin Hemmathagama 

Our Lobby Correspondent

The eighth Parliament under the 1978 Constitution will assemble tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. for the first time after the conclusion of the recent general election.

All members-elect are expected to take seats freely in the main chamber with the quorum bell going off at 9:25 a.m.

Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake who will play the main role in tomorrow’s gathering will read the proclamation received from President Maithripala Sirisena authorising commencement of official proceedings prior to announcing to the House to elect the Speaker.

Based on the recent discussions held in political circles, veteran politician Karu Jayasuriya is likely to be unanimously elected as Speaker in agreement with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party. 

“If more than one name comes up, a ballot box will be brought in along with papers to select the Speaker. Each member-elect will be called by name and given a ballot paper to write his preference, which has to be certified by placing one’s signature. The ballot box will be placed on the aisle of the main chamber. Having counted the votes, the Secretary General will read out the results and accompany the new Speaker to his seat,” Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Neil Iddawela told the Daily FT.

According to the agenda, the new Speaker will take oaths in his office prior to the other 224 members-elect taking oaths. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Leader of the Opposition, and a few other political party leaders are expected to deliver inaugural speeches and the House will move on to the next item on the agenda – election of the Deputy Speaker and Chairmen of Committees followed by Deputy Chairmen of Committees. The Speaker is expected to suspend the House till 3 p.m.

At 2:20 p.m. the Speaker is expected in Parliament to commence the afternoon session graced by President Maithripala Sirisena. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and President Maithripala Sirisena will be received by the Speaker at the Pond Entrance of the Parliament. The President will be given a 21 gun salute and ushered in through the Copper Door to wait in the Robing Room till the House commences the evening session.

With quorum bells sounding at 2:55 p.m., the Sergeant at Arms and Speaker will accompany the President to the main Chamber. President Sirisena, who will be provided a separate seat next to the Speaker’s chair, will address the 8th Parliament. The National Anthem will be played, bringing the ceremony to a conclusion followed by an invitation to the distinguished guests and the Members of Parliament for tea. It is learnt that Jantha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) member-elect Sarathchandra Mayadunne, who was the former Attorney General, will extend his resignation immediately after taking oaths in the eight Parliament. Mayadunne, denying any influence by the JVP to resign, is waiting until his resignation is accepted to cite the reasons for his decision. 

Kandy District UNP member-elect Lakshman Kiriella will continue to serve as the Leader of the House and Galle District UNP member-elect Gayantha Karunathilake will be the Chief Government Whip. President Maithripala Sirisena is expected to name the Leader of the Opposition prior to the assembly of Parliament tomorrow. 

For the first time in the eighth Parliament Ratnapura District UPFA member-elect Premalal Jayasekara, now in remand, is to use the Black Maria to reach Parliament.