Addressing the House, prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe thanked Rajapaks for the support he is giving to carry on with the parliamentary activities.

Arriving at 9.25 am, Rajapkasa sat in the front row between Nimal Siripala de Silva and Sarath Amunugama.

After speeches were made to congratulate new speaker Karu Jayasuriya, sittings were adjourned.

When the House resumes sittings at 3.00 pm president Maithripala Sirisena is due to make a special speech.