When Ceylon became the Republic of Sri Lanka on 22 May 1972, Gopallawa became the first President. He stepped down from office in February 1978 when then Prime Minister Junius Richard Jayewardene became President following constitutional changes that effected the creation of an executive Presidency.
Answer: It's just a tradition
Explanation: This is just a tradition that President Roosevelt started there really isn't much to it besides it is a tradition. Even Donald Trump nowadays does it and keeps the tradition going. Hope this helps. ;)
They it helpedto travel and justify theirselves