Move to create separate national flag, alleges NFF

Home Affairs Minister Joseph Michael Perera said no separate flag would be used at national functions and only an idea on a separate flag was discussed at last week’s Cabinet meeting

National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader Wimal Weerawansa yesterday charged that the government was contemplating a ban on the National Flag at national functions and is preparing to create a separate flag to hoist at such functions.

Addressing a news conference at Abhayaramaya in Colombo, the former minister said it appeared the government was allergic to the national flag.

“I heard Minister Joseph Michael Perera commenting on a move to create a separate flag to use at national functions instead of the National Flag. I do not understand the purpose of a national flag that cannot be used at national functions. May be the government wants to limit the flag to puberty functions,” he alleged.

He said a move aimed at using a separate flag or creating one instead of the National Flag was a violation of the Constitution and urged the move should be stopped.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Joseph Michael Perera said no separate flag would be used at national functions and only an idea on a separate flag was discussed at last week’s Cabinet meeting.

“It was noted that no other flag could be used at national functions instead of the national flag. The issue came up when the requirement of handling the national flag without dishonouring it, was discussed at the Cabinet meeting. Only at other functions relating to sports or cultural events will they be able to use their flags at their discretion,” the minister said.

The minister said strict measures would be taken to prevent the national flag from being dishonoured.