He has told V FM in an interview that he could not say as to whether he would contest from the UPFA or any other alliance.

Rajapaksa yesterday told his followers that he would contest the polls, but did not say under which party’s ticket.

Sri Lanka Jathika Balaya

He hopes to be the prime ministerial candidate of the UPFA under the ‘betel leaf’ symbol, but his followers will contest on the Sri Lanka Jathika Balaya if the Maithripala Sirisena supporters prevent them from doing so.

Towards that, the Deshapremi Jathika Peramuna, a party registered with the elections secretariat, has had its name changed as Sri Lanka Jathika Balaya.

Secretary of that party is Piyasiri Wijenayake, a close follower of former minister Wimal Weerawansa.

When contacted, former minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said Rajapaksa would contest on the UPFA ticket.

However, minister S.B. Dissanayake said president Maithripala Sirisena has stressed that Rajapaksa would not be given nominations from the SLFP or the UPFA.

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Pro-Mahinda faction to contest from 'Sri Lanka Jathika Balaya'