At a meeting of the president’s house last night (25), Kumar Welgama asked him as to why they could not form a government, since they numbered 95.

Welgama said they would not want the party to prop up the UNP.

Explaining the purpose of the meeting, the president sought a clarification from them about their remarks of forming a people’s force.

Mahindananda Aluthgamage said it was not a struggle to form a people’s force, but one against the UNP.

President Sirisena said it was alright if they struggled against the UNP or the government, but that the SLFP should not be divided.

The meeting that went on from 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm was attended by all joint opposition MPs, excepting the two Rajapaksas - Namal and Chamal.

When asked as to why Namal was not invited, the president said people would misunderstand, as there was a court case pending against him.

However, he said he instructed that ex-speaker Chamal be asked to attend, and made an inquiring glance at his coordinating secretary Miuru Bhashitha Liyanage.

Liyanage said he could convey the message only on that morning.

The president lost his cool and said he should have been told had Liyanage failed to contact him on time.

MP Prasanna Ranatunga said he would not support a government with the UNP, and that they would continue with their struggle against the government.

He said he was not sorry that he was sacked as organizer and his younger brother appointed in his place, and noted that blood is thicker than water.

Keheliya Rambukwella asked the president about his rejection of a war tribunal, while his minister Mangala Samaraweera making comments to the contrary.

Whatever is said, in the end, it is my stand that will be implemented, he replied.

When Rohitha Abeygunawardena objected to the extension of the UNP-SLFP coalition government, the president explained the reasons behind the move.

Economic matters also came under discussion, but not the joint opposition’s ‘Pada Yatra’ protest march.

The MPs present agreed to play the opposition’s role in parliament, while taking forward the stance of the party.