Sri Lankan President’s second term begins on Nov 19

Tomorrow marks the conclusion of the first term of office by President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Executive President of Sri Lanka. A ministerial Sub Committee has organized a week -long celebrations to mark his second term in office beginning November 19. Accordingly, the government has declared the week from November 15 for celebrations to mark the swearing in ceremony of President for his second term.

Swearing in ceremony will take place in Colombo with several international State guests present on the occasion

Mr. Rajapaksa was re-elected in January by a thumping majority by defeating the common opposition candidate. Mr. Rajapaksa chose to hold the election on completion of four years of his six-year first term.

Soon after the victory in the 2010 January Presidential election a reference was made by the government to the Supreme Court on when the second term should begin. Country’s highest court had ruled that it would begin in November.

Mr. Rajapaksa, who won by 18 percentage points (57.88 % votes)over the common opposition candidate riding on his popularity as the President who brought the entire country under one banner by militarily defeating the LTTE.

President’s second term of tenure has brought great expectations from within and outside the nation as he rid the country of terrorism after a three decade old war with Tiger terrorists when the government in May ,2009 officially announced that the terrorism was defeated.

SECOND INTERNATIONAL SEAPORT

Mr. Rajapaksa who turns 65 on November 18. will declare open the country’s second International Sea port built with the Chinese help at Hambantota. The first consignment of cargo is expected to arrive at the Port of Hambantota from Myanmar.

In the evening he will ceremonially declare open the Nidahasa- Subasangskruthoyaka Pera dekma, a Novel Exhibition and celebrations at the Independence Square Colombo 7. A significant feature on the occasion is the preparation of 4000 kg milk rice to mark the President’s birth day.

The Government spokesman Media minister Keheliya Rambukwella Monday invited the general public to visit the venue to taste the milk rice prepared by award winning five star Chef Pubilis Silva together with 500 chefs working in Star hotels in the country.