The story of the Buddhist flag being removed at Independence Square on Independence Day

A strong discussion has arisen on social media regarding the removal of the Buddhist flag, which was installed at the Independence Square premises in Colombo, coinciding with the recently held 78th National Independence Day celebration under the theme "Let's Build Sri Lanka". This accusation was made based on a statement by former Member of Parliament Mr. Wimal Weerawansa at a press conference, implying that the Buddhist flag, hoisted to commemorate the 2600th Sambuddhatva Jayanthi, was removed under the guise of the Independence Day celebration, and that it should be re-hoisted within three days.

However, investigations conducted into this incident have confirmed that the Buddhist flag in question was not permanently removed from Independence Square. The Buddhist flag was visible at the location during rehearsals held on January 29th, prior to the Independence Day celebration, but it was removed only on February 04th, during the main ceremony. Subsequently, after the Independence Day celebration concluded, major media reports confirmed that it had been re-hoisted at Independence Square as usual by February 05th.

The Media Division of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, clarifying the matter, points out that during a national ceremony, the national flag should be given precedence and utmost respect over all other flags. Due to the fact that the pole on which the Buddhist flag is hoisted at Independence Square is taller than the pole used to hoist the national flag for the Independence Day celebration, this temporary removal was carried out with the aim of preventing any other flag from being visible above the national flag.

This is not an isolated incident that occurred only this time; the same procedure has been followed in previous years during Independence Day celebrations to protect the dignity of the national flag. The display of this flag for the Sambuddhatva Jayanthi began through a Public Administration Circular issued in 2011, and although it has been maintained as a tradition, the relevant authorities further state that according to protocol, it is temporarily removed during national ceremonies and re-hoisted immediately after the ceremony concludes.