Keep National Anthem short at sporting events: Charith Senanayake

By Bipin Dani 

Former Sri Lankan cricketer, Manager and Marketing Head Charith Senanayake has sought the opinion from the cricket loving public whether Sri Lanka team should only play the shorter version of his country’s National Anthem at sporting events.   

Incidentally, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are on top of the list with their Anthems being 2 min. 45 seconds and 2 min. 30 seconds long respectively.   
Speaking exclusively here, Senanayake, who is also the head of the Asia Cup Technical Committee, said, “My point is : Players, fans, spectators 
(Non-Sri Lankans especially) tend to lose focus and the real value is lost when the second verse is too long and part of the anthem is repeated.”   

“This I have felt over the years. Sometimes players lose their warm-up especially in cooler places. Most countries during sporting events have a shorter version which is intense and impactful. We can also follow suit.” He emphasised, ``I am saying this with utmost respect and zero disrespect.”   

“My suggestion is only for the Sri Lankan Anthem. I noticed India has already done that. Love India’s shorter version-just jayawe...jayawe...”   

“Lining up for the National Anthems is traditional but it doesn’t have to be prolonged.” “We can do the shorter version with the proper government approval,” he signed off.