In rare public appearance, Gotabaya attends Republic Day celebrations at India House in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's deposed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa made a rare public appearance as he attended the celebrations of India's Republic Day at India House in Colombo. At the event, Rajapaksa was seen mingling and chatting with other guests and even posing for photographs. 

The Republic Day celebrations at India House were also attended by Rajapaksa's brother and former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa as well as incumbent Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. 

Various diplomats, businessmen and journalists were also invited to the celebrations. Since last year, when Gotabaya was forced to step down after massive protests, the deposed president has been staying away from the limelight. 

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Sri Lanka prorogues Parliament till February 8

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Parliament was prorogued on Friday by the government till February 8, when a special address will be made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe on the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which is backed by the Indian government, as well as other issues related to Tamil community.

The Parliament's current session has been ended by President Wickremesinghe so that a new parliamentary session can be re-opened on February 8. 

Wickremesinghe’s office stated that the current session has been ended by the issuance of a special gazette by the president.

“Accordingly, President Ranil Wickremesinghe is scheduled to ceremonially inaugurate the 4th session of the 9th Parliament at 10 am on February 8,” the release stated. 

Wickremesinghe earlier also announced his willingness to implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which will provide political autonomy to the country's minority Tamils.

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The president said that he will make a special parliamentary address on February 8, which will incorporate the implementation of 13A and other issues which concern the Tamils like the release of lands which have been held by authorities for military purposes.

The policy statement will deal with “new policies, new laws and acts proposed to be implemented for the betterment of the country, irrespective of party, colour or caste discrimination”, stated the release. 

(With inputs from agencies)

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