The reason cited is the failure on the part of the Mahinda Rajapaksa faction to work according to their agreements.

As per these agreements, the political reforms proposal prepared by the president’s side should have been included in the UPFA’s election manifesto.

However, several paragraphs of the proposal had been omitted and changed before they were included into the manifesto.

Also, contrary to agreements, Rajapaksa has criticized the president publicly and rejected a proposal to appoint him to an honorary position called senior head of state, but not as the prime minister.

Representing the president at talks for these agreement were Ashoka Abhayagunawardena of ‘Pivithuru Hetak’ and UPFA national list nominees Shiral Lakthilake and Malith Jayatilake.

From the Rajapaksa faction, political analyst Dayan Jayatilake, businessman Nalaka Godahewa and former media secretary Charitha Herath participated.

However, completely rejecting the compromises reached between the president and Gotabhaya, Basil Rajapaksa has withdrawn from the election campaign of Rajapaksa.

It was a group led by Basil that had initially formulated the UPFA manifesto.

But, the printed copies of the manifesto were burnt, following the president-Gotabhaya agreements.

Gotabhaya has taken over the election campaign, saying Basil does not know politics and Mahinda Rajapaksa as taken the side of Gotabhaya have all these led to infighting in the Rajapaksa family.