COLOMBO, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan opposition led by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday called for a black flag protest during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit next week.
The "joint opposition" alleged that Sri Lanka and India are to discuss a deal during Modi's visit which could be harmful to the country.
Modi has confirmed he would visit Sri Lanka next week to take part in the celebrations marking the UN "Vesak Day", which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.
However, opposition Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa, speaking at the joint opposition May Day rally in Colombo, said that Modi and Sri Lanka are discussing a deal on the eastern town of Trincomalee which he says must be opposed.
The opposition member urged all those who oppose the deal to raise black flags to pretest Modi's visit.
"They are trying to sell Sri Lanka to India," he said.
The Indian media reported recently that India and Sri Lanka have, in principle, agreed to jointly operate the World War-era oil storage facility in Trincomalee.
The government, however, said that India and Sri Lanka will not sign any agreement during Modi's visit.
