Don't confine patriotism to mere words:

Respect nation's symbols - President

Rasika SOMARATHNA

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday emphasized that every Sri Lankan had a responsibility to respect and honour the nation's symbols such as the National Anthem by observing proper decorum.

"Respect your National Anthem, respect your Nation" the President said participating at the birth centenary celebrations of National Anthem composer Ananda Samarakoon at Temple Trees yesterday.

President Rajapaksa noted that every child from an early age should be taught to respect the nation's symbols and the country with genuine love and loyalty. He was of the opinion that the Nation's symbols such as the national flag should invoke feelings of pride, patriotism and belonging to a great nation. The National Anthem should be sung with pride and triumph, President added.

President Rajapaksa also emphasized that patriotism should not be confined to mere words.

He pointed out to the disrespectful behaviour of a group of UNP members including its leaders when the National Anthem was being played at a recent function (showing recorded clips) and said that such happenings should not take place.

The President queried from the gathering what could have been the response of Ananda Samarakoon if he would have lived to witness such acts.

Ananda Samarakoon considered as a passionate patriotic and a very sensitive musician had once vowed that he would rather sacrifice his life than allowing changes to the lyrics of his composition at a time when there was a raging debate on the issue.

Paying a glowing tribute to Samarakoon, President Rajapaksa said that he is an immortal musician who would live in the hearts of all Sri Lankans for eternity.

"His music brought freshness and sweetness to our weary lives. His lyrics were an adornment to our language. Whilst taking Sinhala music towards a new vista, he gave his fans joy and happiness," the President added. President Rajapaksa said that in addition to his skills in music, he was also an exceptionally gifted painter. President Rajapaksa said that Samarakoon was instrumental in introducing a musical tradition of our own by creating melodies in line with the traditions of the land.

The President identified Samarakoon as a musician who drew material for his lyrics from his intimate knowledge of the village and its landscape, its people, their culture, values and beliefs. He said that even today his songs were being enjoyed by the masses with the same passion and that his melodies were being used as background music to traditional dances.

Prof Sunil Ariyaratne presented the memorial lecture. Cultural and Arts Minister T B Ekanayake also spoke.