Don’t use National and Buddhist flags for Election propaganda –Polls Chief and Election Monitors

• Common ethics, constitution and election law comes into effect with regard to the disrespecting of national and Buddhist flag

Commissioner of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake urged political parties and the public not to disrespect the national flag by using it for election campaigns.   

Addressing a forum in Colombo, Elections Chief Ratnayake said he will be compelled to take action in accordance with the law.   

“The national flag is disrespected in a large way today. Even the national anthem might become the anthems of political parties at this rate,” he said.    

Disrespecting of the national flag is seen even during cricket matches. We often see people wrapping the national flag round their bodies and holding bottles of alcohol on one hand,” he added.   

Meanwhile Executive Director People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections ( PAFFREL) Rohana Hettiarachchi told media that both the national flag and the Buddhist Flags should not be used for election propaganda. “Common ethics, constitution and election law comes into effect with regard to the disrespecting of national and Buddhist flag. This has to be stopped,” he said.