Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa accepted the invitation for the 65th anniversary celebrations of Sri Lanka Freedom Party on Tuesday, Minister John Seneviratne said.

The invitation was handed over by Minister of Labour and Trade Union Relations and Senior Vice president of SLFP John Seneviratne, at the Mirihana residence of the former President.

Minister Seneviratne said that Rajapaksa happily accepted the invitation and expressed the wish to participate the event in Kurunagala on September 4.

He further stated that the former President promised to participate if he is in Sri Lanka.

Rajapaksa did take part in the 64th anniversary celebration of the SLFP last year.

There have been calls by some pro-Rajapaksa SLFP members to hold a separate event to mark the party anniversary. Rajapaksa is yet to make any comment on this suggestion.

Currently, Rajapaksa serves as an advisor for the party.