These sources also stated that the president is ready to make a special statement regarding the SLFP’s economic and political policy, in response to the numerous criticism being levelled by the factions loyal to former president Mahinda Rajapaksa. These policies are expected to gain the acceptance of all SLFP factions.

One of the main accusations by the Mahinda faction is that by joining the National Government, the SLFP is assisting in promoting and ensuring UNP victory.

Specific programme:

The SLFP has so far not have a specific programme for governance, which has led to its downfall. However even during the Rajapaksa era the SLFP never had a proper political policy.

The government functioned according to the whims of the Rajapaksa clan.

Therefore political sources point out that while this statement by the president could be an opportune one in order to counter the criticism by the Mahinda faction, it could also mean that this four year programme could also be to politically supress the Mahinda faction.

Preventing the division of the party

It is the SLFP intention to face the upcoming Local Government elections as a united and undivided party.

However, currently while several MP’s of the Mahinda faction have pledged their support for President Sirisena and it is reported that several others will also be crossing over subsequent to the open invitation by the president at the party anniversary.

Meanwhile, all SLFP MP’s will be compelled to corporate with the president’s concept of eradicating poverty by 2017, in keeping with the party economic policy.