The Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has announced an expeditious investigation into the alleged mispronunciations of lyrics in the Sri Lankan National Anthem during the inauguration of the Sri Lanka Premier League 2023 (LPL). The incident, which involved popular singer Umara Sinhawansa, has sparked a wave of controversy.
During the opening ceremony of the LPL 2023 cricket tournament, a video surfaced on social media showing Umara Sinhawansa performing the National Anthem with some claiming that the singer mispronounced several lyrics.
Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, speaking on the matter, stated that arbitrarily changing the lyrics of the National Anthem is illegal and warrants a prompt investigation.
The video of the alleged mispronunciation quickly went viral on various social media platforms, prompting heated debates among citizens. Some citizens expressed their concerns over potential disrespect to the country’s heritage, while others showed support for the singer, citing that it might have been an unintentional mistake.
“No one can distort the National Anthem of any country as it represents the country’s identity and culture. Therefore, such incidents where the National Anthem is distorted can’t be condoned,” Minister Vidura Wickramanayake.
