SLFP splits as Mahinda Group and Maithri Group

Signs that a chaotic and 'pulled apart' situation on

Former President Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa is expected to open a co-ordinating office at Nelum Mawatha in Jayanthipura, Battaramulla to boost his political battle this morning (12). The United Opposition had made a request to recognise it as a separate Party in parliament last week and since it met with disapproval by the Speaker, he had to even face death threats.

Under privileges afforded as a former President, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa has so far been deprived of an official residence or office. Though he had utilised Narahenpita Abhayarama as a centre for his political activities as a location to meet the public during the past, the chief incumbent there had forwarded a petition requesting the court to issue an order to suspend using that location for political activities. The United Opposition has informed that since there is no permanent place for Mr. Rajapaksa to confront the public and to continue with political activities in an organised manner in future, a co-ordinating office is being opened in this way.

In the meantime, an announcement has been released yesterday (11) under Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa's signature demanding the masses to align against the procedures adopted to betray the soldiers and the country with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the United National Party getting together.

A meeting of the Special Central Working Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party to discuss about the Party crisis that has flared up is scheduled to take place today (12) in the afternoon at 2.00 under the leadership of the Party leader, President Maithripala Sirisena. It is reported that this Special Central Working Committee meeting has been called for to those who wish to criticise the principles of and leadership of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and to arrive at a strong decision in respect of those who take steps by violating decisions of the Central Working Committee.