Respect the National Anthem - Minister Alahapperuma

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma warned National Youth Services Council officials who had refrained from paying due respect to the National Anthem when it was played, during the awarding ceremony of their appointment letters held yesterday at the Youth Affairs Ministry auditorium, ministry official said.

Appointment letters were presented to 90 new Youth Services Officers on the occasion. When the National Anthem was played at the end of the ceremony, newly appointed Youth Services Officers had not paid due respect to it, he said.

The officer also said that the minister who had observed this situation, had instructed the officials to repeat the National Anthem after emphasizing the value of it. 'Government employees should respect the nation and also their religion. So it is necessary to teach all government officials the value of respecting the nation and religion, the official said. All senior officials who participated in the ceremony were critical of the incident.