Red-Carpet Welcome at Parliament for Vietnamese President
09-May-2026.
Vietnamese President To Lam, who arrived at Parliament to deliver a special address, was accorded a red-carpet welcome with a tri-service guard of honour.
The Vietnamese President arrived at Parliament at 11.00 a.m. on 8 May. In view of his visit, banners bearing his portraits were displayed from the Parliament roundabout onwards, while the national flags of Vietnam and Sri Lanka were also hoisted in the area.
The President arrived in a long motorcade, and upon reaching the entrance of Parliament, personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force lined both sides of the road and paid ceremonial honours.
He was received by Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne and Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera, who welcomed him and escorted him along the red carpet.
Thereafter, a brief meeting was held between the Speaker and the Vietnamese President at the Parliamentary complex. The meeting was attended by Minister Dhammika Patabendige, Chairman of the Sri Lanka–Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Association, and Secretary General Kushani Rohanadeera. Subsequently, President To Lam also signed the Parliamentary Visitors’ Book.
Following this, the quorum bell was rung at 11.30 a.m., and at 11.35 a.m., the Speaker and the Secretary General escorted the Vietnamese President into the Chamber and seated him in a special chair placed near the Speaker’s seat.
Over 100 members of the Vietnamese delegation were seated in the gallery to witness the address. Former President Maithripala Sirisena, former Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, the Chief Justice, the Auditor General and several senior government officials were also present as guests of the Speaker.
In addition, foreign diplomats, ministry secretaries, tri-service commanders, religious leaders and several other dignitaries were seated in the gallery and listened to the address. A majority of government and opposition Members of Parliament were also present in the Chamber.
Thereafter, the Speaker delivered the welcome address, following which President To Lam commenced his speech at around 11.40 a.m. and concluded at 12.05 p.m. The President delivered his address in his native language.
Subsequently, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya delivered the vote of thanks, while Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa addressed Parliament on behalf of the Opposition.
Thereafter, the Speaker announced that parliamentary proceedings would be temporarily adjourned until 1.30 p.m., and adjourned the House at around 12.20 p.m. President To Lam then departed from the Parliamentary premises.
It is noteworthy that this was the first occasion since 2015 that a foreign Head of State delivered an address in Sri Lanka’s Parliament. It may be recalled that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Parliament in 2025.
