SLA forces public to hoist lion flag on Independence Day, in Jaff

Sri Lanka Army (SLA) in Jaffna has been engaged in issuing strict orders to the public to hoist the national flag of Sri Lanka on Independence Day Wednesday on all houses as well as public and private institutions, using loud speakers attached to SLA vehicles, in the last few days, sources in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />Jaffna said. Shop keepers and traders in Vadamaraadchi and Thenmaraadchi in particular have been warned by SLA officials in their area that they will not be allowed to open their shops in the future if they fail to follow their orders, the traders said.

SLA has ordered all vehicles, particularly motor cycles, to fly the national flag already and those without the national flag have been confiscated along with the National Identity Cards (NIC) and the owners summoned to the local SLA camps, members of public and government officers in the peninsula said.

From ordinary soldiers to the high officers of SLA located in various places in the peninsula are very keen and strict in ordering the public to fly the national flag on Independence Day.

Consequently, lion flags which were short in supply in the peninsula until recently are seen to be hoisted and flown everywhere in the peninsula.

The sale of lion flag is brisk and profitable as they are being sold five to ten times the normal prize.

Some traders have been quick to cash on the opportunity importing the flags from Colombo by air.