The 'Joint Opposition' which backs former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is planning to hold a mass rally in Colombo on March 17 against the government.

The rally is expected to focus on five points including the alleged hunting down of war heroes, cutting down subsidies to farmers, opposition to ETCA with India, alleged suppression of people's rights and the postponement of the local elections.

This is to be the first of a series of rallies to be held on district basis.

Many leaders of the 'Joint Opposition' are expected to speak at the rally.