Newly sworn-in Premier assumes duties

• The ceremony was held amid a Pirith chanting ceremony

By Lahiru Pothmulla   

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was sworn in on Sunday, assumed duties at his official residence ‘Temple Trees’ in Colombo at a colourful ceremony last morning at the auspicious time of 10.35 am. 

 He was sworn in as the Prime Minister for the fourth time by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya on Sunday.   

The ceremony was held amid a Pirith chanting ceremony by the Maha Sangha led by Dr. Balangoda Sobhitha Nayaka Thera and blessings by the other members of the clergy.   
Former president, MP-elect Maithripala Sirisena, members of Mr. Rajapaksa’s family, Governors and newly elected MPs of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) attended 
the ceremony.