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22nd November 2019 13:00:50 Hours

New President in Simple Ceremony amidst Military Honours Assumes Duties at Presidential Secretariat

Heralding an epoch-making visionary approach for Sri Lanka and her future prosperity, security, reconciliation and sustainable development, the inauguration of the office of HE Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the 7th Executive President of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces commenced this morning (19) at the Presidential Secretariat amid tri-service military honours, religious observances and simple ceremonials.

Elegantly attired tri service troops, led by the parade commander formed up as the centerpiece of the day’s military segment soon after HE the President’s motorcade arrived at the location, to be greeted and received by the Chief of Defence Staff, Army, Navy and Air Force Commanders, Secretary to the President and former President Maithripala Sirisena. The new President led by traditional Ves dancers was then ushered to the main entrance to the office complex.

In conformity with military traditions after the parade commander reported the day’s assembly to the Chief Guest on the occasion, the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne together with the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces reviewed the Guard of Honour before the salute was taken from the special dais. The 21-Gun Salute of the Army, a symbol of honour to the Head of State boomed afterwards before the new President entered his office premises. Gajaba Regiment, in which the new President himself was serving as a military officer decades ago presented the salute, together with Navy and Airmen on hand.

After a while, members of the Maha Sangha inside the President’s office, led by Ven Muruttettuwe Ananda Nayake Thera, Ven Omalpe Sumanarathana Thera, Ven Getamanne Gunananda Thera and a few other monks chanted ‘Seth Pirith’ and invoked blessings as the new President at the auspicious minute placed his signature accepting the new office. Simultaneously, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa handed over the letter of appointment to the new Secretary to the President, Dr P. B Jayasundera.

The simple ceremony to assume duties in the Presidential office was attended by the former President Maithripala Sirisena, Parliamentarians and a few other state officials. latest Running | adidas Yeezy Boost 350