Ranils slams Mahinda for using national anthem in propaganda ads

Monday, 29 December 2014 00:16 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has strongly criticised incumbent and presidential candidate Mahinda Rajapaksa for using phrases in Sri Lanka’s National Anthem in his campaign advertisements.

Wickremesinghe said the use of the phrases ‘Apege Shakthiya Obayi’, ‘Apage Alokaya Obayi’ and ‘Apage Anupraanaya Obayi’ derived from the national anthem in President Rajapaksa’s ads was unconstitutional and showed disrespect both to the national anthem and the country. Speaking at election rallies in Ambethenna and Ukuwella yesterday, Wickremesinghe charged that the Rajapaksa regime which was robbing the country dry was also trying to usurp the national anthem. “The President’s involvement in this act is grounds to bring impeachment charges against him for going against the Constitution,” Wickremesinghe said. “It is a crime for the incumbent President to equate himself to Mother Lanka in this manner,” Wickremesinghe charged. “It is an act of treason,” he said. According to common opposition sources, the opposition is planning legal action against the candidate for using the national anthem in campaign material. (DB)