Prez to declare open fifth session of the Ninth Parliament today

No gun salutes and motorcade

President Ranil Wickremesinghe will declare open the Fifth Session of the Ninth Parliament today (07). The rehearsal of the ceremonial opening was held yesterday at the Parliament premises.

Following the ceremonial opening of the parliamentary session, President Wickremesinghe is scheduled to present the Statement of Government Policy at 10.30 am according to the powers vested in him under Article 33 of the Constitution.

On the instructions of the President, arrangements have been made to hold the Ceremonial Opening of the Fifth Session as a formal ceremony and thus, gun salutes and motorcades shall not be held, Serjeant-at-Arms Kushan Jayaratne said.

He said that the invited guests have been told to take their seats by 09.45 am

After the President presents the Statement of Government Policy, the House will be adjourned until 9.30 am on Thursday. Following the adjournment, a tea party has been organised for the invitees, including diplomats.