They will try to obtain an order which will say his appointment as chairman of the SLFP and the UPFA was illegal.

As per clause 12-2(4) of the SLFP constitution, the winner of the presidential election automatically gets the leadership of the SLFP.

The Rajapaksa faction will argue that Maithripala Sirisena had not contested as the SLFP’s candidate.

A party convention should appoint the key positions if a non-SLFP candidate is elected president.

Elections commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya said any issue with regard to the officials of a recognized party should first be referred to him before taking the matter to courts.

He said he could not comment on complaints to other parties, ‘Ravaya’ reports.