Oct 18, Colombo: Former Army Commander of Sri Lanka Sarath Fonseka says the people who are opposing his protest rally against the government are those who are supportive of the present regime.

Fonseka has made this statement in reference to the objections raised by the main opposition United National Party (UNP) to the rally scheduled to be held at Hyde Park today.

United Bhikku Front, the dissident Buddhist monks' wing of the UNP, has organized today's rally to call for abolishing the executive presidency.

The UNP has banned its members from participating in the rally and has threatened stern action against anyone who violated the directive.

Fonseka has said that all opposition members should participate in the rally if they do not have the blessings and support of the President.

According to the former Army Commander, there were doubts over the opposition members who are opposed to the rally since it is a protest against the government.

Fonseka has added that the UNP needed to be ashamed of its political decision making since the party's general secretary has publicly stated that backing him at the last Presidential election was a mistake.