PoliticsGeneralHOTMonday, May 18, 2026

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa Not Invited to National War Heroes' Commemoration

TLDR

Mahinda Rajapaksa not invited to War Heroes' Day.
Spokesperson refutes Minister Pannelage's invitation claims.
Minister Herath: Event limited to President, few ministers.
No general political invitees due to event limits.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has not received an official invitation to the National War Heroes' Commemoration Day event scheduled for May 19, according to his Media Secretary, Attorney Manoj Gamage. Gamage explicitly refuted claims made by Minister Upali Pannilage, who had stated that the fifth Executive President had been invited to the ceremony. Attorney Gamage further alleged that Minister Pannilage's statements were an attempt to mislead the public. He also expressed concern over the decision to exclude the former president, citing his significant leadership in ending the three-decade-long conflict.

2 Updates

Update #3\u00b7 May 19 · 2:48 PM

Minister Wijitha Herath further clarified the reason for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa not being invited to the National War Heroes' Commemoration, stating the event was limited to the President and a few ministers. He specified that the attendees included the President, Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera, and the Deputy Minister representing the Minister of Public Security.

Update #2\u00b7 May 19 · 11:16 AM

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has not received an invitation to the National War Heroes' Commemoration, according to his media spokesperson, who refuted claims by Minister Uupali Pannelage that an invitation was extended. Further, Minister Wijitha Herath clarified that no political authorities, including Rajapaksa, have been invited this year, citing a general limitation on political participation in the event.

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