The protection of principles of the state should begin at the Parliament and all in the Parliament should turn their attention to establish democracy in the country said Leader of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Gen. Sarath Fonseka making his inaugural speech in the Parliament today (22^nd).

The speech made by Gen. Sarath Fonseka:

Hon. Speaker,

I would like to extend heartiest congratulations from our party for you for being appointed the Speaker of the 7^th parliament. I wish that you would be able to carry out your duties as the Speaker in the most successful manner. At a time the country is going through a very crucial period your duty being the Speaker is indeed very decisive. I hope you would carry out your duties without bias and with fairness on behalf of our Motherland and wish you strength to fulfill such an arduous task. We hope that you would carry out your duties defending Parliamentary traditions and Parliamentary democracy.

The defending of principles of democracy should begin from here. We hope that you would give leadership to the protection of fundamental principles of democracy which are freedom for all, equal opportunities to all, fundamental rights to all, fulfilling justice to all, defending the law and order of the country. We believe this would commence from this august assembly and spread throughout our society.

People’s freedom is the most important at his stage. We hope that you would direct this august assemble towards establishing justice in the country and to protect the freedom of speech, thought, expression, right to hold any political view, right for association and the right of people  not to be illegally detained and imprisoned.

I am happy that I, being a victim of such injustice, am able to make this request as one who has been elected a member of this august assembly. I thank all these members of Rajapakse government who are in front of me for giving me this opportunity to address you in this manner.

I would like to state that we would support any justifiable task you would fulfill on behalf of the country and the people of this country. We wish you all the best and extend our cooperation to you and the Prime Minister in their official duties.

I conclude my speech wishing victories to all Sri Lankans.