National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa vehemently criticized the move by the government to start a domestic inquiry into the alleged war crimes in the last days of the war, claiming that it was a way to let foreign forces interfere in the affairs of the country.

Speaking at the rally of Mahinda Rajapaksa supporters at Nugegoda, he said that the UNHRC allowed a deferral of the presentation of the resolution since if it was brought forward in March, it would have been advantageous for the former president Rajapaksa in a general election.

He also said that while many countries did oppose a UNHRC inquiry into the alleged 'war crimes', no country could oppose if such an inquiry is held domestically.

Even China and Russia will not be able to use their veto power if Sri Lanka carries out a domestic inquiry. However, this domestic inquiry is most likely to be carried out with the auspices of the Western powers, he said.

A massive crowd gathered at the rally in Nugegoda to urge the former president to return to politics as the Prime Ministerial candidate in the next general election.