These MPs have noted to the president that their motive was to build an opinion against the UNP.

A majority in the SLFP are against, and will not allow, a division of the party, although a few have insisted Mahinda Rajapaksa should form a new party, they have also said.

When contacted, SLFP general secretary, minister Duminda Dissanayake said he was not aware of such a request.

Challenge to Rajapaksa

He said the one at Samanala stadium in Galle is the party’s only May Day rally, and challenged Mahinda Rajapaksa to attract to Kirulapone at least one person more than the crowds that would be attending the Galle event.

The ex-president should respect the people’s decision, in which they have sent him home at both the presidential and general elections, said Dissanayake.

He accused organizers of the Kirulapone rally of using the SLFP’s name and positions in a lowly manner to attract people to the event.

Mahinda Rajapaksa has entrusted the organizing of the Kirulapone Rally to his brother Basil Rajapasksa, and asked MPs loyal to him to attend it.

Related articles:

Basil visits towns organizing May Day rally