Sri Lanka’s joint opposition to boycott Independence Day

The Sri Lankan joint opposition will boycott Independence Day celebrations this week due to the ongoing suppression of democracy on the island, said a member of parliament on Monday.

MP Dinesh Gunawardena told reporters that the current government was acting against the principles of good governance and democracy, and as an act of protest members of the opposition would be boycotting the event later this week.

Military style parades are set to feature at the celebrations this year, with rehearsals currently taking place at Galle Face Green in Colombo.

Mr Gunawardena’s announcement comes after members of the opposition when to visit the son of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is currently being detained as part of an ongoing investigation into corruption under the previousa regime.

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