The inauguration of the 8th Parliament
The inaugural sitting of the 8th Parliament of Sri Lanka took place on September 1 at 9.30 a.m. As per the Parliamentary tradition, the election of members to key positions took place and accordingly, the UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya was appointed the Speaker unanimously after his name was proposed by
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and seconded by Sri Lanka Freedom Party member Nimal Siripala de Silva. UPFA MP Thilanga Sumathipala took office as the Deputy Speaker.
While UNP MP Lakshman Kiriella was appointed the Leader of the House, UNP MP Gayantha Karunatileka was appointed the Chief Government Whip.
All the members elected at the August 17 General Election took oaths before the speaker including the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa who was sworn in as a member of parliament.
During the ceremonial opening of parliament in the afternoon, which was addressed by His Excellency President Maithripala Sirisena, he presented the new policy statement of the National Unity Government.