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Rare honour to Thai Premier 

Second visiting Prime Minister to address Parliament

by Jayantha Sri Nissanka and Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

Visiting Thai Premier Dr.Thaksin Shinawatra was accorded a rousing welcome yesterday as he became only the second visiting Prime Minister to address the Sri Lankan Parliament.

The red carpet was rolled out to the Thai leader who is on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka. He was bestowed the honour of addressing the country's supreme legislature joining former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who did so in April 1985.

Earlier, the Thai Premier was escorted to the Parliament complex in a motorcade led by mounted Policemen. Members of the three armed forces who lined the driveway stood in salute as the motorcade passed across a still Diyawanna to reach the Parliament complex. The National Flags of both countries fluttered in the cool breeze on an otherwise balmy morning. The Thai Premier was received by Speaker Joseph Michael Perera and Secretary General of Parliament Priyani Wijesekera at the entrance to the Parliament complex. Soon after the arrival, the National Anthems of both Sri Lanka and Thailand were played by the Army band.

Precisely at 9.55 am, the Thai Premier proceeded to Parliament building along a red carpet. He together with the Speaker was escorted by the Serjeant-at-Arms and the Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms and then proceeded to the Robin Room. After the ringing of the Quorum bell was over, The Thai Premier entered the Chamber of Parliament followed by Speaker Joseph Michael Perera and was given a seat behind the Speaker.

Thereafter, Speaker Joseph Michael Perera made the opening speech. Following him, the Thai Premier made his 15 minutes address on a podium erected between the Speaker's Chair and the members' benches.

Dr. Shinawatra concluded his speech to a huge applause by the members of both sides of the House. He was followed by the Leader of the House W.J.M. Lokubandara and Leader of Opposition.

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