Presidential nominee will be named in due time - MR

Colombo (News 1st) - Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Headquarters in Battaramulla early this morning. The SLPP office began its activities for the new year following the arrival of the former President Rajapaksa. Parliamentarians, provincial councilors and SLPP local government representatives also attended the event. The Opposition Leader held discussions with the public representatives and the journalists were not allowed to cover the discussions. Following the event, the former President responded to questions posed by members of the media. When questioned about who will be nominated as the Presidential candidate from his faction, Rajapaksa replied by stating that he would make the announcement in due time, adding that they are currently in discussions to form an alliance. When asked about rumors concerning an 18 member group attempting to break away from the SLFP along with former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Rajapaksa stated that it is highly unlikely. He added that if this group joins forces with the UNP, it would cause more problems to the UNP. Speaking on future political campaigns, the former President stated that they will conduct such campaigns under a broad alliance and that the SLPP would be a part of this alliance. He hinted that the symbol of this alliance could be the same one used by the SLPP. He added that the President is vested with the responsibility of safeguarding the SLFP as it's chairman and that the planned alliance would not cause harm to it. He went onto state that as a senior member of the party he continues to provide advice from time to time.