May 08, Colombo: President Maithripala Sirisena presided at the Ceremonial Sitting of Parliament for opening of the Second Session of the Eighth Parliament of Sri Lanka today.

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and the Secretary-General of Parliament received the President and the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at the main steps of the Parliament building when they arrived at the parliament for the ceremony. This was followed by the Breaking of the Presidential Standard, a Guard of Honor, the singing of the national anthem and a 21 gun salute.

The President then proceeded to the Parliament building accompanied by the Speaker and Secretary-General and escorted by the sergeant-at-arms. After the ringing of the Quorum Bell, all Members of Parliament took their seats in the Chambers of the Parliament.

The Secretary-General of Parliament read out the Proclamations issued by the President proroguing the Parliament and summoning the Meeting. President Sirisena then addressed the Parliament.

The Parliament was, thereafter adjourned until Wednesday 9th May 2018.

On April 12, the President issued a Gazette proroguing Parliament until May 8, by virtue of the powers vested in him under 70 (1) of the Constitution.

In his policy statement, the President said he believes that despite criticism everyone acknowledges that during the past three years the government has fulfilled the main demand of the people, who gave a mandate to the government to make the Sri Lankan society a democratic, humane, and accountable society again.

"I emphasized that, we, as a government, should fulfil our responsibilities under a strong political thought, which gives prominence to our heritage, our great culture and our unique identities, in the journey of rising as a nation while achieving economic prosperity. I believe that moving forward, we must work with a vision that is representative of our heritage and the needs of the common people. I wish success for the country and the people," the President said in conclusion.

President's speech in full