A question raised in many forums is whether or not a new party will enter the political arena under the leadership of  former president Mahinda Rajapaksa

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party announced that this the need of a few persons.

Minister of Professional Development and Vocational Training, Mahinda Samarasinghe noted that Vasudeva Nanayakkara is not a member of the party. He may call for this, but he is not from the SLFP, he said.

Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe further noted that if one decides to come forward to split the party, the supporters will not follow such leaders – who want to split the party and give an advantage to the United National Party.

“I do not believe that they will allow all the local government institutions to come under the United National Party. A Party , is a party ” he said

Minister of Petroleum Resources Development, Chandima Weerakkody stated that, looking at the history of the party, Mahinda Rajapaksa did not leave when the party split back in 1981. And in 1991, when Basil Rajapaksa left and those closest to him followed suit. Mahinda Rajapaksa did not leave

Minister for Special Assignments, Dr. Sarath Amunugama stated that Mahinda Rajapaksa had, on numerous occasions said that, he never left the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, and there is no reason to doubt that and it was not a secret to call for an inquiry as well.

“As far as I am aware, no MP from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party had said that they will form a new party,” he said and added that persons who worked with them, namely Wimal Weerawansa, had said that they will create a new party .

“Gammanpila was never in the alliance,but he has said so,” he said,adding Vasudeva Nanayakkara had also said that and if they do not split the party, there will be no future for them.

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