By Yohan Perera   

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

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

 
“ We decided to keep away from the main ceremony as we oppose the move to hold a grand ceremony which display aircraft and other military equipment at a time the country is facing a crisis especially on the economic front,” 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 incurring a high cost,” sources said.   

JVP and the TNA MPs were also not present as they did during the last two years.