The United National Party (UNP) has lodged a strong protest with the Indian High Commission in Colombo regarding a special 3-page-supplement published in local print media to mark India’s 79th Independence Day.

The matter was raised during a high-level meeting of senior UNP officials, which was also attended by several former diplomats. The discussion centred on the content of the supplement, prepared and distributed to local newspapers under the supervision of the Indian High Commission.

Particular attention was drawn to the selection and placement of photographs in the supplement. Former diplomats present at the meeting noted that it was unusual for every page to feature images of the Indian Prime Minister alongside the President of Sri Lanka. They also observed the complete absence of photographs or messages from former Executive President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The UNP has reportedly conveyed its strong displeasure to the Indian High Commission over the matter, citing concerns about the editorial choices and omissions in the supplement.