Transition of Executive Office-Kumaratunga begins new tradition

OUTGOING President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga had directed her Secretary, the three Armed Forces and the Police some weeks ago to formulate a novel system of ceremonials to welcome the new President.

It was planned to accord the newly elected President a ceremonial welcome with a guard of honour and a 21 gun salute. A farewell ceremony for the outgoing President and Commander-in-Chief was also devised and was due to be held after the installation of the new President, a release said.

These plans have had to be somewhat amended as President-Elect Mahinda Rajapakse wished to take his oaths of office, after he was declared elected. In accordance with Rajapakse's request Kumaratunga directed the authorities to arrange for the planned ceremonial welcome within one day.

The farewell ceremony to President Kumaratunga and the handing over of the Presidency, along with a report of the work done during her Presidency will now be held on November 23.

Outgoing President Kumaratunga wishes that this would create a new tradition for a smooth transition of the Presidency with dignity for all future incumbents of this office, the Presidential Secretariat said.