Yingluck Shinawatra:

Third world leader to address Lankan Parliament

Sandasen Marasinghe, Irangika Range and Disna Mudalige

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra became the third world leader to address the Sri Lankan Parliament yesterday.

Shinawatra is the third visiting Premier to address Members of Parliament at the Parliament Chamber at Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, after former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1985 and Shinawatra's elder brother, Thaksin Shinawatra in 2003.

Premier Shinawatra arrived in Parliament at 2.32 pm and was welcomed by Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa and Parliamentary Secretary General Dhammika Dissanayake.

She was then accompanied by Speaker Rajapaksa, Sergeant-at-Arms and other senior officials of the Parliament into the Chamber.

The quorum bell was rung around 2.40 pm and Prime Minister D M Jayaratne, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and government and opposition members took their seats.

The Sergeant-at-Arms then carried the mace and led the parade, followed by Premier Shinawatra accompanied by Speaker Rajapaksa, Parliament Secretary General Dhammika Dissanayake and Assistant Parliament Secretary Kushani Rohanadeera.

Thereafter, the Thai Prime Minister took her seat specially arranged beside the Presiding Chair on the invitation of Speaker Rajapaksa.

The Speaker after a brief introduction, invited the Thai Prime Minister to address Members of Parliament.

She addressed the Chamber around 2.51 pm. After her speech, Leader of the House Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe delivered brief speeches and extended their wishes to the Thai Premier.

The Leader of the House then adjourned House until 1 pm on June 4.

The Speaker after the House was adjourned, invited the Thai Prime Minister, her delegation and Members of Parliament for tea at the members' restaurant.