The reason cited is that ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa has opposed the leadership of Gotabhaya for a new political force for the joint opposition, as chosen by Weerawansa, Dinesh Gunawardena, Udaya Gammanpila and civil society activists including Nalaka Godahewa.

Mahinda has entrusted the organizing part of the new political force to Basil.

Weerawansa was the main speaker at the rally organized by Basil in Badulla recently.

Loyalists of Gotabhaya are worried that he has been sidelined from these activities, the sources added.