The ceremonial opening of the First Session of the Tenth Parliament is scheduled for today (Nov. 21).
Following the sounding of the quorum Bell at 9:55 a.m., Parliament will convene at 10:00 a.m. After the placing the mace in the chamber, the Secretary-General of Parliament will present the Extraordinary Gazette Notifications issued by the President, setting the date and time for the session, as the first Order of Business.
The Speaker will then be elected as per the provisions of Article 64(1) of the Constitution and Parliamentary Standing Orders 4, 5, and 6. Subsequently, the Speaker will take the oath or affirmation, followed by Members of Parliament taking their oaths or affirmations, and thereafter, the Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chairperson of Committees will be elected. On the first day, Members are free to sit in any seat of their choice, as no seating arrangements are pre-assigned, which is a unique feature.
Following the initial formalities, Parliament will be temporarily suspended. At 11:30 a.m. at wh8ch time President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will preside over the Speakers Chair and present the Government’s Policy Statement in accordance with Articles 32(4) and 33 of the Constitution.
