President in Parliament

Irangika Range and Disna Mudalige

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his capacity as Finance Minister, arrived in Parliament and attended sessions while six Financial Bills were taken up for debate.

As the President entered the Chamber, some government rank members got up from their seats and thumped their desks to welcome him.

Following them, schoolchildren and teachers, who were in the public gallery, also got up from their seats and began clapping.

Police officers detailed to maintain silence and decorum in the public gallery, ordered the children and teachers, who were not aware of the regulations that those in the gallery cannot disturb the proceedings, to be silent and sit back.

UNP National List MP Dr Harsha de Silva was making his speech while the President arrived. He was seen standing silent until the policemen and women got the schoolchildren to remain silent.

The President remained in the chamber until 12.35pm, until the lunch break.