Speaking at the post-Cabinet media briefing on May 19, 2026, the Minister made the clarification in response to questions regarding the absence of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa from the Victory Day commemoration.
He said only the President, Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala, and the tri-forces would participate in the event.
“No others have been invited,” he said, noting that the ceremony would proceed with official state and military representation only.
