The pro-Rajapaksa group within the alliance has decided to table a proposal before the party executive council. The proposal calls to to name Mahinda Rajapaksa as the next Prime ministerial candidate.

Several party leaders within the UPFAwho are Rajapaksa loyalists, have already commenced initial measures on this regard.

No political journey with MR

However, speaking with UPFA bigwigs recently, President Maithripala Sirisena has informed them that he is unable to work with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and does not intend to embark on a political journey with him.

In response, party leaders within the UPFA have said that they would fully back a Mahinda-Maithri government.

To this, the President has sternly replied that he has no need for such an alliance.

What Mahinda could not accomplish through the ballot, he is trying to accomplish using the bullet, the President has said, concluding the discussion.

No alternative

Speaking on this regard to the state owned publication 'Silumina', Democratic Left Front leader Vasudewa Nanayakkara has said that if attempts to appoint Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime minister should fail, there will be no other alternative except to contest the General election under a new political front led by Rajapaksa.

As a final measure, a decision on Rajapaksa's candidacy will be sought after convening the UPFA executive committee.