The Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, first, I congratulate you. Within a short period, you have been able to make significant strides in politics. On behalf of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and our Parliamentary Group, I extend our good wishes to you and to your party. We pray that you will act in the time ahead safeguarding the dignity of the entire Parliament and protecting the privileges of all Members.

¶ 02 We, from both the Opposition and the Government, will work to discuss the people’s problems in this Chamber and to find solutions through debate. We look forward to your neutral guidance in that. You also bear a great responsibility. If, in the recent period, any damage has been caused to the dignity of this august House or to the Office of the Speaker due to the issues that arose, it is your duty to protect and restore that dignity. Once again, on behalf of the SLPP and our Parliamentary Group, we extend our best wishes to you.