This group stressed to the president on the night of February 14 that Rajapaksa should first be dealt with, before taking action against regional leaders.

However, the president had not responded to the call, and said he would consider it once returning home from his foreign tour, a minister who was present at the meeting told Sri Lanka Mirror.

Other conspirators

Meanwhile, minister S.B. Dissanayake told the media yesterday (15) that the SLFP was likely to take disciplinary action against Rajapaksa and others who tried to divide the party.

There was no hurry to do so, against the SLFP local government members who met with Rajapaksa two days ago, said Dissanayake.

Rajapaksa has support from the lower level membership of the party, but animosity towards him by the minority communities prevent the party from recording victories under him, he added.