The key issue being discussed is as to whether the president has been able to rebuild the public trust that had broken after Rajapaksa was given nominations.

Ravaya consultant editor Victor Ivan has told BBC Sandeshya that the move would reduce the public displeasure, but not restore total faith.

His point is confirmed by Purawesi Peramuna which held a rally in Nugegoda today against the betrayal of the January 08 mandate and against corruption, repression and nepotism.

Ivan said political leaders in the country were unfortunately ignorant of how to win and maintain public confidence and dignity.

Although civil society activists criticize the president in this manner, the UNP led by prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe does not do so.

The UPFA is in crisis after the president’s remark that he would not support the alliance’s key candidate.

Lost support within UPFA

Financial Times political analyst Darisha Bastians says the president has lost support within the UPFA, which has worsened after the JHU’s having allied with the UNP.

It is no secret that there is a deep division within the UPFA.

The impact of the prevailing crisis on the UPFA is difficult to foretell, but history shows that such instances will have considerable effect.

Even if the alliance wins, the president says, Rajapaksa needs not be appointed the premier, noting that there are many other senior leaders of the SLFP who can hold that position.

They include Nimal Siripala de Silva, Susil Premajayantha and Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, but it remains to be seen as to whether any one of them will receive majority support among the MPs.

According to Dullas Alahapperuma, whatever the president says, it is the parliamentary group that decides on the premiership, and the president cannot select his choice.

The president has lost that power due to the 19th amendment he himself has presented.

Isolated?

No such problem arises if the UNP-led alliance wins.

It appears that most cronies are distancing themselves from the president, due to his delay in announcing his position with regard to Rajapaksa.

The only key loyalist remaining in the SLFP for president Sirisena is minister Duminda Disssanayake.

Janaka Bandara Tennakoon seemed supportive of him, but since his statement, he has been publicly criticizing it.

A dejected ex-president Chandrika Kumaratunga, who played a key role in making the new president, has left the country, saying he has betrayed his public mandate.

Reliable sources say the president has avoided her on many occasions at the influence of his closest supporters.

Although defeated at the presidential election, Rajapaksa has support of the southern people as the leader who has defeated the LTTE.

It remains a question as to whether he will be able to retain that support at the general election.

Future?

The incumbent president has been commended by the people as the leader who has boldly come forward despite threats to his life to wipe out repression and corruption under the Rajapaksa regime and to establish good governance.

During his statement, the president pointed out that his supporters and most media had criticized him last week due to the freedom of expression now prevailing thanks to him.

Unlike most heads of state, president Sirisena is due to retire after a single term in office, and future will decide what position he will gain in the Lankan history.