August 19, Colombo (LNW): Commissioner of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake has strongly urged political parties and the public to refrain from using the national flag for election-related activities, warning that such actions constitute disrespect towards a national symbol.
Speaking at a forum in Colombo, Ratnayake highlighted the growing trend of misusing the flag in political campaigns and warned that legal measures would be taken against offenders.
He expressed concern that the national flag, along with the national anthem, risks becoming tools of political propaganda, compromising their symbolic value.
Ratnayake also pointed out the inappropriate display of the national flag during events like cricket matches, where it is often wrapped around bodies or held by individuals consuming alcohol, actions he described as disrespectful.
In a related remark, Executive Director of the People’s Action for Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL), Rohana Hettiarachchi, stressed the need for a respectful approach towards both the national flag and the Buddhist flag during elections.
He reminded political entities that national ethics, the Constitution, and election laws must be upheld, urging an end to the misuse of these symbols in political propaganda.
