A heated debate has emerged following claims that the song ‘Rata Anurata’ was played in place of the national anthem ‘Sri Lanka Matha’ during the closing moments of the inaugural ceremony of a newly established Pradeshiya Sabha.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Chitral Fernando raised the issue during a televised discussion on Derana TV, criticizing what he called a deliberate deviation from protocol. “The national anthem is traditionally played at the end of all official government ceremonies. Deviating from that raises serious concerns,” Fernando stated, accusing the current government of undermining national symbols and traditions.
Responding to the allegation, MPs from the ruling party expressed surprise and denied any prior knowledge of such a decision. They emphasized that the event’s program, including the music selection, was arranged by the state officials overseeing the council not by Jathika Jana Balawegaya (NPP) politicians.
“This isn’t something orchestrated by parliamentarians. If there was a change, it would have come from the administrative staff responsible for the event,” said one ruling party MP, shifting responsibility away from the political sphere.
The controversy now appears to hinge on whether the playing of ‘Rata Anurata’ was an administrative oversight or a symbolic gesture, with critics calling for clarity and accountability regarding the protocols followed in government functions.
