The Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that everyone should work together as one nation in order to overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19, stated the Department of communication, Parliament of Sri Lanka.
The Speaker stated the aforesaid today addressing the oath / Affirmation ceremony of government officials for the year 2021 at the Parliament complex.
Adding to the above, the Speaker encouraged everyone to be determined to not waver in the face of challenges.
The Speaker hoisted the National Flag near the main entrance in front of the Parliament Building inaugurating the dawn of the New Year 2021, 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/affirmation of the staff members of Parliament took place afterwards.
Addressing the staff, the speaker said, that “Last year was uncertain not only for Sri Lanka but for the whole world. The same situation is likely to persist this year. Therefore, it is essential that everyone act with a sense of understanding and attention. It is possible to overcome the COVID-19 challenge by working in coordination with everyone. 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 Parliament was able to overcome the challenges of the year 2020 optimally.
The Secretary General also emphasized the need of working together in unity to overcome the challenges in the face of COVID.
Furthermore, he said that it was due to commitment and the utmost sense 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 which has dawned.
J.U.B.Rathnayake, Medical Officer of the Parliamentary Medical Center, spoke on the responsibility of each and every individual and the society in overcoming the COVID-19 challenge.
He also pointed out that the COVID challenge can be curbed with good health practices.
Kushani Rohanadeera, Deputy Secretary General and Chief of Staff of Parliament, Tikiri K.Jayathilake, Assistant Secretary General, Heads of Departments & Parliamentary Staff along with all allied staff were present at this occasion.