July 30: The first session of the parliament concluded yesterday amidst traditional ceremony. The closing ceremony assumed special significance graced by His Majesty the King.

In keeping with the tradition, the members offered Tashi Moenlam to His Majesty the King.

After almost 50 days of discussions, the parliament session ended yesterday. The closing ceremony was graced by His Majesty the King.

Making the closing remarks, the National Assembly speaker Jigme Tshultim said the first session of the parliament has been a fruitful one for many reasons. The constitution of the kingdom of Bhutan was adopted in this session after prolonged deliberations. The parliament also passed several bills. The joint sitting of the parliament was also addressed by the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh who paid a visit to the kingdom in May shortly after the parliament began. The Prime Minister Lyonchen Jigmi Y. Thinley also paid a state visit to India while the parliament was in session.

He said the parliament also discussed and resolved several issues of national importance.

The Venerable Dorji Lopen of the central monastic body offered Tashi Moenlam Khadhar to His Majesty the King. Members of the parliament then offered Tashi Moenlam prayers inside the National Assembly Hall.

Following this, members then proceeded to the Lingkana Palace where an elaborate programme was organized to mark the closing of the session. His Majesty the King, the royal highnesses the princess and princesses also joined the celebrations. His Majesty the King, their royal highnesses the princess and princesses, and the parliament members took part in traditional games like archery and Khuru matches.

Local dancers and musicians also presented a cultural programme to entertain the gathering.

The members of the National Assembly will now head towards their respective constituencies to brief the people on the discussions and resolutions made in the parliament.

The next session of the parliament is to be held in November this year.

As the first session of the parliament ended yesterday, most parliamentarians described the session as fruitful. They described the adoption of the constitution as one of the biggest achievements.

Speaking to BBS, the parliamentarians said they are contended and proud at the end of the long parliament session.

This they said is because they have been able to resolve several issues of national importance keeping in mind the well being and the interest of the nation and the people.

One of the parliamentarians said the closing of the session is a proud moment as they have been able to discuss and resolve issues like experienced politicians and seasoned politicians.

They said the first session of the parliament has been an enriching experience for all the members most of whom were representing the people in the parliament for the first time.