Veteran actor W. Jayasiri said he rejected the "Kalabhooshana' award presented by President Maithripala Sirisena in recognition of his contribution to the fields of art and culture. 

'Kalabhooshana' is one of the highest national awards in the arts and cultural sphere, presented by the government. 

In a Facebook post, Jayasiri confirmed that he had been invited for the event which is scheduled to take place on January 29. 

The artiste has decided to boycott the event and reject the award in protest of the President's conduct. 

Jayasiri was instrumental in the civil society movement that propelled Sirisena into power in January, 2015. However, the artiste soon became critical of President Sirisena's conduct, especially when he reneged on his promise to fully abolish the Executive Presidency. 

The Kalabhooshana award ceremony was earlier scheduled to held in December, last year but was postponed to January due to the political crisis prevailing in the country.