The reasons for this move are that the pro-Mahinda Rajapaksa faction has established its power in the UPFA and that its general secretary Susil Premajayantha has made an announcement that Rajapaksa would be given nominations.

Rajapaksa loyalists wield majority power in the executive committee of the UPFA, and most of the political offices of its leading figures have become offices of the ex-president.

President Maithripala Sirisena and former president Chandrika Kumaratunga discussed this matter in detail during a meeting yesterday (05).

SLFP to form alliance

It was decided there to form a new political alliance led by the SLFP under the ‘swan’ symbol to counter the challenge by Rajapaksa.

Several affiliate parties have already extended their support to the president.

The UNP has decided to contest under its ‘elephant’s symbol and has agreed to form a national government with the SLFP after the general election.

Yesterday, president Sirisena, ex-president Kumaratunga and prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe were at the same platform at a function at the BMICH to mark Kumaratunga’s 70th birthday.

A special lecture was delivered on the occasion by director of the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies in New Delhi Prof. Rajiv Bhargawa.