Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been sworn-in as the new Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, before newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The event, graced by many other distinguished guests, is taking place at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.
New Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will shortly assume duties in his new post.Former President Maithripala Sirisena and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who officially stepped down this morning, were also present on the occasion.
Earlier today, former Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe stepped down from his position and tendered his resignation to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.Meanwhile the interim Cabinet of Ministers, which was scheduled to be appointed today, has been put off until tomorrow (22), political sources said.
Mahinda Rajapaksa had served as Opposition Leader of Sri Lanka until his appointment as the new Premier today.This is the third time Mahinda Rajapaksa is taking office as the Premier. He had been appointed Prime Minister after the UPFA had gained a slim majority at the Parliamentary Elections of 2004.He had briefly served as Prime Minister again, for a period of just 52 days, during the time of the constitutional crisis in the country in October last year.Two brothers are holding the top positions in the government for the first time in the history of Sri Lanka.
Six new Governors were sworn in before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (21).
They were:
Raja Kollure – Uva Province
Seetha Arambepola – Western Province
J. M. Muzammil – North Western Province
Lalith U. Gamage – Central Province
Willy Gamage – Southern Province
Tikiri Kobbekaduwa – Sabaragamuwa Province
In keeping with the tradition, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy and paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic this morning.
Upon his arrival, President Rajapaksa was received by the Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela accompanied by the Basnayake Nilames of the Four Main Devalayas.
The President will call on Venerable Mahanayake Theros of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters, as well as the Mahanayake Thero of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya at their respective temples and receive their blessings during the day.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed three new Secretaries this morning.
Dr. P. B. Jayasundara was appointed as the Secretary to the President and Major General (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne was appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence.
Former Central Bank Deputy Governor S. R. Attygalle has been appointed as the Secretary to the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance .
Meanwhile, Oshada Senanayake has been appointed as the Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa assumed duties as the 7th Executive President of Sri Lanka at the Presidential Secretariat today (19).
The President assumed duties following religious observances and the event was attended by former president Maithripala Sirisena as well.
Several political party leaders including Prof. G. L. Peiris, Dinesh Gunawardane, Douglas Devananda, Wimal Weerawansa, Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Prof. Tissa Witharana and Members of Parliament, Bandula Gunawardane, Dayasiri Jayasekera, Gamini Lokuge, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane, Keheliya Rambukwella, former Secretaries to the Presidents, Lalith Weeratunga and Udaya Seneviratne, new Secretaries Dr. P. B. Jayasundara, Major General Kamal Gunaratne, and S. R. Attygalle and former Defnce Secretary Major General Shantha Kottegoda were also present on this occasion.
The winner of the 2019 Presidential Election, SLPP candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa sworn in as the 7th Executive President of Sri Lanka today (November 18) in Anuradhapura. He took oaths before Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya.
Secretary to the President Udaya R Seniviratne read out the proclamation declaring Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the President. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa were also present on this occasion.
Addressing the nation after the formal swearing-in ceremony at MahaMaluwa of Ruwanweli Maha Seya, President Rajapaksa thanked everyone who voted for his victory and welcomed the minor communities in the country to join hands with him to work towards the prosperity of the nation.
He said he will lead the country based on the Buddhist philosophy which upholds principles of equality and justice. While providing the state sponsorship to safeguard the traditional heritage of the nation he said he will take measures to protect the rights of the civilians to live in peace and reconciliation.
Furthermore he said that the time has come to work as a one force to build the nation and a people-centric government is a prerequisite to achieve this objective. The national security would be the top most priority and the state security mechanism will be strengthened to protect our Motherland.
Elaboration on his foreign policy, President Rajapaksa said that “We want to remain neutral in our foreign relations and stay out of any conflicts among the world powers”.
“We will have our fullest commitment to achieve the sustainable development goals of the UN”.
“The Government should always set an example to the society. Professionalism and efficiency should be the cornerstone of government of administrations. Meritocracy and technocracy should be promoted all times, corruption will be never tolerate under my administration”.
He called on other nations to respect the sovereignty of Sri Lanka.
The recently concluded elections saw the beginning of a new political culture in this country and the examples set would be continued in future activities of the government.
The new President highlighted the importance of using the modern technology in every aspect of the governance.
President Rajapaksa further said he would form a new government soon to carry out his policies.
He said it is his responsibility to serve every community in this country. No challenge is insurmountable if we work together.
“I love my country. I am proud of my country. I have a vision for my country. Hence, I called on everyone to join me in this journey,” he said.