Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that everyone should work together as one nation to overcome the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Speaker was addressing the Oath / Affirmation ceremony of Government officials for the year 2021 at the Parliament complex on January 1.
The Speaker encouraged everyone to be determined and not to waver in the face of challenges. The Speaker hoisted the National Flag near the main entrance in front of the Parliament building inaugurating works for New Year followed by a two-minute silence which was observed to commemorate war heroes and all those who sacrificed their lives for the country. The oath and affirmation of the staff members of Parliament took place thereafter.
The Speaker said, “2020 was an uncertain year not only for Sri Lanka but also for the whole world. The same situation is likely to persist this year as well. Therefore, it is essential that everyone acts with a sense of understanding and responsibility. It is possible to overcome the pandemic by working together.
He said, “Everyone must work towards the common good. Even in the midst of Covid, Sri Lankans have been victorious in the name of democracy. At the beginning of the year there was no Parliament to run the affairs of the country. Nevertheless, the people were able to elect a new Government and a Parliament when a Parliamentary election was held.”
Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake said that the Parliament was able to overcome the challenges of 2020. The Secretary General also emphasized the need to work together to overcome the challenges in the face of Covid-19. He said that it was due to the commitment and the utmost sense of responsibility that everyone was able to overcome the challenges of last year. The Secretary General also expressed his views on fulfilling one’s duty with commitment in the New Year.
Medical Officer of the Parliamentary Medical Centre J. U. B Rathnayake spoke on the responsibility of each and every person and the society in overcoming the Covid-19 challenge. He said that the pandemic could be curbed with good health practices.
Deputy Secretary General and Chief of Staff of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera, Assistant Secretary General Tikiri K. Jayathilake, Heads of Departments and Parliamentary Staff and allied staff were present at the occasion.