Tiraj Piyaratne, Chairman of the Maharagama Urban Council, has come under heavy fire on social media for a notice he has publicized at the council asking the government officials and the public at large to call him "Sir."

Piyaratne contested the election under  the "Motor Cycle" symbol with the support of the sri Lanka Podujana Party.

Piyaratne's Facebook profile states that he is a strong supporter of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the de facto leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.

In the notice, the Chairman of the Council says the people should address him "Sir" as he is the first citizen of the council area and the Chief Executive of the institution. 

Piyaratne drew severe criticism on social media as the notice, according to many, seemed "obnoxious."