Is there a rift between the SLPP and SLFP over the election?

Colombo (News 1st): Will there be a dispute between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna when working together towards the upcoming elections? Minister Mahinda Amaraweera today noted that at the previous party meeting it was discussed that they will contest as the Sri Lanka Nidahas Podujana Alliance. He noted that they do not wish to part ways and that they can make a decision on the symbol post discussions. Further Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said Gotabaya Rajapaksa does not belong to a single group. He noted that the SLFP extended their fullest support towards his victory and that has not been understood by most people because they are participating in this as a common alliance. He added that it doesn't matter how but stressed that they should contest as a common alliance. Meanwhile, former president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga who served as an adviser to the Sri Lanka Freedom Party was removed from the position of the electoral organizer of the Attanagalla electorate following a party decision. The acting chairman of the SLFP expressed his views, regarding the current situation of the party.

Journalist: Senior and powerful members of your party have decided to retire from politics. Does this have any link to the issue with Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga? Prof. Rohana Luxman Piyadasa: She was one of the prominent leaders of our party. She supported the presidential candidate of the UNP during the previous presidential election, going against the policies and agreements that we established during the election. This disappointed party supporters. This is why we decided to remove her from the position of the electoral organizer.

Following the removal of former President Kumaratunga, treasurer of the SLFP, Lasantha Alagiyawanna was appointed as the acting electoral organizer of the Attanagalle electorate. Expressing his views during a media briefing he noted that he accepted the position because of Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. He added that he will always respect her and will never challenge her or another Bandaranaike. He said that he was also born in Attanagalla and now have been given the responsibility. He stressed that with the blessings of the Bandaranaike's, he will carry out his duties. Meanwhile, the United National Party continues to find a solution for its leadership crisis. According to MP Ajith P.Perera, a meeting has been organized between all Pradeshiya Sabha members of the United National Front and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa. MP Perera noted that there will be a meeting on the 26th at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre. He said all local government representatives and contestants of the United National Front will meet with opposition leader Sajith Premadasa to discuss the current political situation. He added that all party leaders, MPs, and former provincial councillors and electoral organizers of the UNF, will attend the event.