Former President Mahidna Rajapaksa says that he has absolutely no objection to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka. 

Speaking to reporters following a religious event held at a temple in Ruwanwella, Rajapaksa also said that he has no issues with participating in any event attended by the Indian Premier. 

When asked about the comments made by Wimal Weerawansa regarding a black flag protest during the Vesak festival, he stated that story is a complete lie and that the MP’s statement has been misinterpreted. 

“Listen to his speech properly. He made no comment regarding the Vesak zone. There is no problem with that zone,” he added.

“I don’t like to speak about the Indian Prime Minister or any other Prime Minister,” he said, adding that he will participate in the events attended by the Indian PM if possible and that there is no issue with that. 

Modi will be arriving in Colombo today for the Vesak Day celebrations as well as Kandy and Dickoya in the Central Province. In Kandy, Modi will visit the Temple of the Tooth relic.

In Dickoya, Modi will be handing over to Sri Lankan authorities a multispeciality 150-bed hospital built with Indian assistance.

Meanwhile deputy minister Manusha Nanayakkara says that the country’s intelligent masses have not responded to the calls by certain politicians to protest on Vesak Day.