SLFP and the SLPP, an uneasy alliance

Colombo (News1st): SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara was questioned regarding Mahinda Rajapaksa's membership in the party. Jayasekara noted that this question should be possed to Mahinda Rajapaksa, adding that they are not too sure themselves because he had issued contradicting statements. When asked if he was not in good terms with Mahinda Rajapaksa, Jayasekara stated that he has no issues against the former President adding that they are aware of some tactics used especially during elections. He reminded the media that during the past election MR and his team told votes not to vote for people like Shantha Bandara. How will this affect the alliance that they hope to form? Jayasekara noted that they are prepared for it and that they wouldn't be entering into an alliance if they weren't ready to face issues such as this. The General Secretary of the SLFP was also asked if he had extended an invitation to MR to rejoin the party, similar to the invitation issued by Mahinda Amaraweera. Jayasekara replied by stating that MR claims he is from the SLFP, so there is no need for such a request. He added that because he claims he is a member of the SLFP, he should come and work alongside them and not go supporting other parties, especially at a time when his parliamentary seat is in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa was also questioned by the journalists in Kurunegala today (January 6). Journalists stated that the UNP plans on going in for a presidential election after the 8th of this month. Reacting to the statement MR stated that it is not up to the UNP to make such a decision and that the President is the one who could decide on having such an election. He added that he doesn't believe that the President wouldn't go in for an early election. When asked about which party he represents, the Opposition leader stated that he represents all parties. He noted that he represents the SLFP because he entered parliament through the party. However, he added that the SLPP and the SLFP have come together. When asked about Jayasekara's statement regarding sabotaging the election campaigns of certain MPs, Rajapaksa stated that "if  he has any issues it's his problem, now mine.."