Mahinda will avoid the function, and instead will undertake a visit of Italy at the end of this month.

Reports say the intention of this tour is to start a Sinhala diaspora.

Joint opposition MPs are discussing a boycott of the anniversary celebration in view of several of them being removed from their electoral organizer positions and the SLFP MPs in the government continuing to protect the UNP-led government and the prime minister.

However, the general secretary of the party says all are welcome to attend the event, as their removal does not mean they have lost their party membership.

It will be an event to demonstrate the party’s strength, he told the media yesterday (18), adding that its patrons, Mahinda Rajapaksa and Chandrika Kumaratunga have both been invited to take part.