NEWSNOW | COLOMBO – The new session of the 8th Parliament will commence at 2.15 this afternoon, under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena.
The Deputy Secretary General of the Parliament Neil Iddawela said that all necessary arrangements have been in place in this regard.
The President will be welcomed by the Speaker and Prime Minister and will be escorted to the chamber.
The mace bearer is to enter the chamber with the ceremonial mace and after its customary placement, the new parliamentary session is to commence with the Secretary-General presenting the prorogation.
Following these proceedings, President Sirisena will make the policy statement of the government.
According to British customs, the queen is to deliver a speech upon recommencement of Parliament following adjournment.
This is known as the throne speech.
However, according to the 1978 constitution, there is no mention of a throne speech.
However, with the commencement of a session, the leader of the state is vested with the right to deliver a policy statement.
A vote can also be called for.
However, it was decided at the party leaders meeting recently, that an adjourning debate will be held on Thursday, with regard to the President’s speech.
Accordingly, constitutional experts note that holding a vote isn’t possible under these circumstances.