Mahinda Rajapaksa assumes duties as Prime Minister : Appoints Gamini Senarath as secretary

COLOMBO(News 1st) - Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, this afternoon. The swearing-in ceremony commenced at 1:00 pm today, at the Presidential Secretariat. Former President Maithripala Sirisena, former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Commanders of the Three Armed Forces, ministers, and relatives of Mahinda Rajapaksa were present at the event. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister: "I pledge to uphold the Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and obey the law with honesty. I pledge my allegiance to the Republic of Sri Lanka and to protect and respectfully uphold the Constitution of the Republic." The new prime minister was greeted warmly by the masses. After taking oaths, Mahinda Rajapaksa officially assumed duties as the new Prime Minister this evening, in Colombo. Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the Prime Minister's Office, at around 3:45 pm. A large crowd including Ministers, MPs and regional politicians were already present at the Prime Minister's office to welcome Mahinda Rajapaksa. The new prime minister first engaged in religious observances, and received the blessings of the Maha Sangha and religious leaders representing all faiths. Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed duties as the new prime minister, at the auspicious time of 4:16 this evening. Gamini Senarath was appointed as the Secretary to the Prime Minister. He is a Special Grade employee in the Sri Lanka Administrative Service and was the President's Chief of Staff during Mahinda Rajapaksa's tenure as President.