Military personnel will not be allowed to take part in the war anniversary event to be held in Kurunegala under the auspices of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi said yesterday.

Speaking to the media he said that the official state event will be held on May 18 in Battaramulla.

Given that the war has been over for some years and the government's attempt to rebuild reconciliation, the government has decided against holding a military parade, he also said. Instead, a cultural event will be held to mark the end of the war, he added.