The faction had planned to get its proposal adopted at the CC and convince the public that it commanded the party and president Maithripala Sirisena had no power over it, in order to make its campaign attractive.

The stay order obtained by CC member Prasanna Solangaarachchi was extended until August 07 by courts as no submissions had been made on July 29 on behalf of respondent, SLFP general secretary Anura Priyadarshana Yapa.

Over this unclear situation, Shantha Bandara resigned as deputy minister of media on the following day.

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said he has made a written request to the president to convene the SLFP CC, and that attempts are being made to take a decision with regard to the resignation of ministers from the party.

Stressing that he would not resign, he charged that those who cannot win at the election were resigning in order to gain votes.

Minister Sarath Amunugama too, said he would not resign, adding that there was no collective decision to resign and that it was uncertain if the CC would meet.