Srı Lanka Seventh Parlıment Inagural Sessıon

epa02127515 From military detention to supreme legislature, former Sri Lankan army commander General (retired) Sarath Fonseka delivering his maiden address when the seventh parliament of the nation met for its inaugural session in Colombo 22 April 2010. At the general elections held on April 9, the UPFA won 144 out of the 225 seats in parliament. The main opposition United National Party (UNP) won 60, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) under retired General Fonseka won 7 seats while the Tamil party Ilangai Thamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK) also known as the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) won 14. The speaker, deputy speakerthe chairman of committees were appointed without contest today while the Prime Minister was appointed on Wednesday by President Rajapaksa. Gen. Fonseka who is in military custody over several charges was electedwas escorted to parliament as well. The UPFA under President Rajapaksa is only six seats short of a two thirds majority in the house as required for overwhelming changes to the present constitution.  EPA/M.A.PUSHPA KUMARA