10th Parliament's Inaugural Meeting Today; President to Deliver Key Policy Statement

The session will officially commence at 10:00 a.m., following the sounding of the quorum bell at 9:55 a.m. The Secretary-General of Parliament will first present the Extraordinary Gazette Notifications issued by the President, which set the date and time for the session. 

As per the Constitution and Parliamentary Standing Orders, the election of the Speaker will take place next, followed by the oath-taking ceremony for Members of Parliament. The Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chairperson of Committees will also be elected during the session.

A distinctive feature of today’s session is that Members of Parliament will have the freedom to sit anywhere they choose, as no seating arrangements have been pre-assigned. 

After these initial formalities, the Parliament will temporarily suspend proceedings, and at 11:30 a.m., President Dissanayake will take the Speaker's Chair to present the Government's Policy Statement, in line with the Constitution.

In contrast to previous sessions, there will be no formal military honors, gun salutes, or motorcades. The session will be conducted as a ceremonial event, with arrangements under the guidance of the President. 

Guests, including foreign diplomats, are expected to be seated by 11:00 a.m. The Speaker will be welcomed near the Parliament's main staircase at 11:10 a.m., followed by the Prime Minister at 11:15 a.m. Shortly after, President Dissanayake will arrive, and he will be formally welcomed at 11:20 a.m.

The President will then lead a procession to the Chamber, carrying the mace, followed by the Speaker and the Secretary-General of Parliament. Upon entering the Chamber, the President will preside over the Speaker’s Chair, and the Speaker will take their seat alongside the Secretary-General.

Following the President's presentation of the Government's Policy Statement, the session will adjourn.

The inaugural session will also be attended by distinguished guests, including foreign diplomats, as confirmed by Serjeant-at-Arms, Mr. Kushan Jayaratne.