However, no one can negate the unity of those who have rallied round Mahinda Rajapaksa, he has told BBC Sandeshaya.

President Sirisena’s withdrawal will pose no challenge to the UPFA’s election campaign, as he had not contributed to the 5.8 million votes obtained by the ex-president, he said.

He said that there has been no change to that 5.8 m vote base, which is adequate for them to win the upcoming general election.

When pointed out that all the forces that had contributed to secure 6.2 m votes for president Sirisena are with the UNP today, he said parties such as the JVP and the TNA have withdrawn their support.

The UPFA will lose nothing due to the withdrawal of Rajitha Senaratne, Arjuna Ranatunga, M.K.D.S. Gunawardena and Hirunika Premachandra, as none of them were with the UPFA at the presidential election, he added.