Opposition boycotts Independence Day celebrations

4 February 2022 02:27 pm - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and a few other opposition political parties representing Parliament boycotted the 74th national Independence Day celebrations at the Independence square today.

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara told Daily Mirror that his party decided to boycott the ceremony and held its own celebrations at Pollwatte Temple.

“ We decided to keep away from the main ceremony as we opposed the move to hold a grand ceremony which display aircraft and other military equipment at a time the country is facing a crisis especially in the economic front,” Mr. Madduma Bandara said.

Meanwhile, UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe also kept away from the ceremony despite receiving an invitation. Sources close to Mr. Wickremesinghe said he had gone out of Colombo. “We don’t know whether Mr. Wickremesinghe officially boycotted the ceremony but he was against having an elaborate affair with a high cost,” sources said.

The JVP and the TNA MPs were also not present as they did during the last two years. (Yohan Perera)

Comments - 13

Hingannas Friday, 04 February 2022 02:57 PM

A CASE IF BEGGARS BEING CHOOSY.... while being DEPENDENT.

Arnold Friday, 04 February 2022 03:08 PM

This is just to keep the 69 lakhs happy.

Ram Friday, 04 February 2022 03:16 PM

What independence for the people. Freedom of speech

Bandu Friday, 04 February 2022 03:22 PM

We have no fuel for electricity supply but have enough fuel to fly Jets helicopters etc over the last few days for practice and display. Fighter jets use fuel at over 1600 litres PER MINUTE.

sam Friday, 04 February 2022 04:07 PM

Which part of the community is enjoying independence?

Dee Friday, 04 February 2022 04:10 PM

It was surprising to see very few national flags put up! Especially starting from the 3 wheeler types (which consists of the majority 69) . Even some government institutions never put up. Sad to see this happening to our nation. We can't stay for 3 more years!

Boru Show Friday, 04 February 2022 04:58 PM

This time we SriLankans witnessed the grandest ever Independence Day celebrations.Besides the forces, there was huge participation of civilians in cultural displays etc. Who said the country is facing the worst crises in it's history ?

Punchi Banda Friday, 04 February 2022 05:22 PM

Putting on a tamasha for the gullible electorate.

Sam Silva Friday, 04 February 2022 06:12 PM

Got is going off his mind.

Ranaweera Friday, 04 February 2022 06:48 PM

They like to be controlled by their foreign masters.

Karalasingam Sivalingam Friday, 04 February 2022 10:44 PM

Turmoil era. The gap between the government and the opposition too wide and on a war path. Any semblance to accommodate views of minority communities, disappeared personnel's families' aspirations, fishermen, farmer issues is very remote.

rew Saturday, 05 February 2022 11:07 AM

Excellent. Stay away from these destroyers

Anthony. R Saturday, 05 February 2022 08:12 PM

Just a family affair, at a time the Nation is going through a economic crisis. Borrowed wealth, won't shine

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Opposition boycotts Independence Day celebrations

Comments - 13

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

Proposed wage hike Estate workers appreciated or trapped in election promise?

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Most Viewed in News

Sajith bars Daily Mirror over liquor controversy

Rupee expected to dip to Rs.310-320 range later this year: FCR

Foreigner injured after falling from Lotus tower

A leading hotel in Derby, UK sold to Sri Lankan company

Diana under immigration radar for overstaying visa since 2014

Not only on-arrival visas but online visas too should be stopped

MIRROR CRICKET

Over 400 players to go under the hammer at LPL Auction

'Mehta Toss Rule' for Indian Premier League Playoffs

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup FanCraze Greatest Moments: The hunt begins

Game-changers and record-makers: Statistical standouts from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cups

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Match-fixing allegations Court calls for report on voice sample of Sachithra

Customs seize Mexican Methamphetamine worth Rs.100Mn through Facebook lover from Guatemala

Rathupaswala shooting Case Accused acquitted after more than ten years

UK and Sri Lanka join forces to protect marine environment

Over 400 players to go under the hammer at LPL Auction

'Mehta Toss Rule' for Indian Premier League Playoffs

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup FanCraze Greatest Moments: The hunt begins

Brazil named as hosts for 2027 Women’s World Cup