Pivithuru Hela Urumaya General Secretary Udaya Gammanpila today requested the public to hoist black flags in houses, shops and vehicles from January 2 to January 8, as a mark of protest against the government.

Addressing a media conference this morning at PHU headquarters, Gammanpila said that January 8 marks the beginning of the darkest era in Sri Lankan history.

He requested the public to at least use a black flag as the Facebook profile picture to protest against the government, if they were feeling uncomfortable in hoisting a black flag in residences or vehicles.

The present government has taken the country in a dangerous path, compromising national security and traditional values, he added. Some of the former supporters of the government have become serious critics due to their policies, he also maintained.