Mahinda was not invited to the victory celebration, this is the reason.

Here is the question raised by a journalist to Minister Vijitha Herath and the relevant answer at today's press conference announcing cabinet decisions.
 Question
 Wasn't former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who led this country during the time the war ended, especially, invited to the national celebration of victory?

If not, why was such a thing done?

Answer 
"For this, invitations have been extended to, in fact, the President and Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr. Aruna Jayasekara, who will be participating. Similarly, the Deputy Minister of Public Security will participate instead of the Minister. These are the ministers and the President who will be involved in this. Among the others are members of the tri-forces and the police. Apart from that, no one else from the political authority was invited."

Question
 We remember the celebration of victory. After peace, for many years, it was celebrated with great festivity, honoring the war heroes in a way that showcased their pride to the world. However, subsequent governments stopped it. Is your objective to continue this in the same manner? Because, in areas like Mullivaikkal, some people are celebrating a genocide week, and there is no suppression or stopping of these activities.

Answer
 "To be frank, the country faced a war that none of us wanted. All nationalities have the right to commemorate all those who died, were affected, and became disabled in that war. Whether Sinhala, Tamil, or Muslim, all people have the right to commemorate their relatives, parents, or children if they passed away. We have protected that right to the maximum. We have granted that freedom to everyone."