Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath stated today (19) that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was not invited to the ‘National War Heroes Commemoration Ceremony’ because the event had been limited to the President and a few ministers.

Speaking further at the Cabinet decisions media briefing held at the Department of Government Information, Minister Vijitha Herath said:

“Those invited to attend are, in fact, the President, Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, and the Deputy Minister representing the Minister in charge of Public Security. They are the ones participating as ministers and as the President. Apart from members of the Tri-Forces and the Police, no other members of the political authority were invited.”