Sri Lanka Elections: Hundreds of SLFP workers pledges not to support Gotabaya Rajapaksa

In Sri Lanka, hundreds of party workers of Sri Lanka Freedom party (SLFP) led by former President Chandrika Kumaratunga pledged not to support former defense secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the elections next Saturday.

The workers under banner ‘Organisation to Protect the SLFP’ held a convention in Colombo even as SLFP leadership has decided to support Gotabaya.A group led by former President has already signed an agreement last week to support Gotabaya’s main rival and minister Sajith Premadasa.

SLFP led by President Maithripala Sirisena has warned of disciplinary action against Ms Kumaratunga and party central committee is to meet on Tuesday evening to decide upon action. Kumaratunga has however asserted that her actions have in no way harmed the SLFP.

She said that the SLFP had decided to back Sri Lanka People’s party (SLPP) Presidential candidate Gotabaya without informing her, despite she being a senior member of the party.The former President also noted that no action had been taken against Mahinda Rajapaksa when he left the SLFP and joined SLPP.