Defence Secretary retired General Kamal Gunaratne has said the existing national flag will be used for the Independence Day celebrations this year.

Responding to questions on changes suggested to the flag, General Gunaratne said many suggestions have been made to correct the lion on the existing flag.

Stating that the suggestions must be discussed with designers and thereafter submitted to Parliament for approval, he said after receiving the approval the changes could take place.

Defence Secretary retired General Kamal Gunaratne further said the National anthem will be sung only in Sinhalese and not two languages at the main Independence Day celebrations this week.

He said the anthem will be sung when President Gotabaya Rajapaksa hoists the National flag at the main event on Thursday (04).

The Defence Secretary made the comments during a media briefing held on the upcoming Independence Day celebrations.