President’s swearing-in ceremony on Nov 19

Elaborate arrangements have been made throughout the country to mark President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s second swearing-in ceremony, a spokesman of the Presidential Secretariat told the Sunday Observer yesterday.

He said that the President’s second swearing-in ceremony will be held at the Presidential Secretariat on November 19. The spokesman said that a tree planting campaign will be held on November 15 throughout the country including the Northern and the Eastern provinces.

He said that the first ship will arrive in the Hambantota port on November 18.

Religious events to invoke blessings will be held on November 16 at kovils, temples, churches, mosques and other religious places throughout the country.

Foreign dignitaries are also expected to participate in the second swearing-in ceremony, the spokesman said. Government offices and schools in certain parts of the city will remain closed on November 19. Private sector institutions have also applied for leave through the Labour Ministry.

Special vehicle arrangements will be in place on November 19.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will pay homage at the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy and Sri Mahabodhi, Anuradhapura on November 20. MN