The former chief organizer for the SLFP has told BBC that rather than forming a new political party, their discussions centred on bringing all like-minded parties together for a common programme.

When asked as to whether a new ‘programme’ was replacing a new ‘party’ due to inability to form a new party, he said many more things needed to be in place for new party to be formed.

He said he would definitely not be the leader of a new party, and that he would be playing a minor role in it.