Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa slammed attempts to sing the ‘Sri Lankan national anthem’ in Tamil, stating that it was part of an attempt to appease the Indian government.
Mr Rajapaksa added that he would be boycotting the ‘Independence Day’ commemorations in Colombo, alongside members of the joint opposition.
The former president was joined by the chief Buddhist monk of the Malwatte Chapter, who also spoke out against singing the song in Tamil.
“In our country we cannot imagine where things will end if the National Anthem is allowed to be sung in Tamil and any other language” said the senior monk. “Therefore, I object to any attempt to sing the National Anthem in Tamil."
Mr Rajapaksa added that he would be boycotting the ‘Independence Day’ commemorations in Colombo, alongside members of the joint opposition.
The former president was joined by the chief Buddhist monk of the Malwatte Chapter, who also spoke out against singing the song in Tamil.
“In our country we cannot imagine where things will end if the National Anthem is allowed to be sung in Tamil and any other language” said the senior monk. “Therefore, I object to any attempt to sing the National Anthem in Tamil."