Nanayakkara has told BBC Sandeshaya that a SLFP contesting on its own would not be able to win the upcoming general election, adding that its victory depends on the UPFA.

If it decides to contest alone, it means the SLFP hopes for defeat, he said.

He went onto say that president Maithripala did not give a clear answer to a question by UPFA affiliate party leaders about getting his predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa involved at the upcoming election.

The president only stressed the need for unity, adding that it would not be difficult to defeat the UNP, he said.

Nanayakkara added that therefore, their plans to include Rajapaksa remained open.