Rajapaksa says that he reached this decision as he could not bear to see the party he had protected and been a part of, splitting to two.

Therefore, the new leadership, the Executive committee and all party officials should steeer it towards the welfare of not only the party but the entire nation, the statement says.

I believe that all of you will pay heed to your responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of all party members as well as upholding democracy within the party, the statement further adds.

The former President concludes that he will continue to stand for the prayers and aspirations of the more than 5.7 million people who voted for him at the recently concluded presidential election.

The official statement is shown below.