A group allegedly backed by the LTTE, prevented the hoisting of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem at a national netball tournament at the Public Ground in Vavuniya on Saturday, where Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapakse, the wife of Premier Mahinda Rajapakse was the chief guest.
Top police and Army officials participated in the ceremony but the Wanni parliamentarians were notable absentees.
The inauguration of the all Ceylon women's netball championship in Vavuniya was delayed by more than an hour Saturday morning after some local groups objected to hoisting Sri Lanka's national flag and singing the national anthem at the two day sports event, police said.
The function, scheduled to start at 9.30 a.m. began late sans the Sri Lankan national flag and anthem.
The tournament was organised by the Sri Lanka Inter District Netball Association.
Heavy rain greeted the special guests when they were garlanded and were being escorted into the sports ground. The events started after the Chief Guest lit the ceremonial flame.
Although it was announced that 32 teams from 25 districts were to participate in the tournament, only 18 teams turned up for the event.
Teams from Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts did not attend.
