By Shamindra Ferdinando

A parliamentary committee has proposed a new version of the national anthem to be sung in both Sinhala and Tamil at the 65th Independence Day celebrations in Trincomalee on Feb 4.

National Languages and Social Integration Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara yesterday told The Island that the committee, which met under his leadership, decided to make the proposal to President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Asked whether the committee would push for the immediate implementation of the proposal, Minister Nanayakkara said that it would be the prerogative of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Minister said that their move would greatly boost ongoing post-war national reconciliation effort, particularly in view of this year’s Independence Day celebrations being held in the East.

Responding to a query, the minister admitted that at the time the decision was taken all members of the National Languages and Social Integration parliamentary committee hadn’t been present. He said in spite of the possibility of some members of the committee opposing the move, those present at the time the decision was taken had endorsed it.COURTESY;THE ISLAND