SLFP rift widens after appointing Justice Minister as Acting Chairman of party

The rift between Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) leadership and members widened, after former President Maithripala’s faction, appointed  Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as the Acting Chairman of the party and the rival group resisting the move.

Justice Minister Rajapakshe and those supporting him tried to enter the premises today, but police said they could not be allowed inside as there was a police investigation underway following a previous complaint.

The Minister said they would be seeking court intervention in the matter.

But immediately thereafter MP Duminda Dissanayake accused the rival faction claiming they had sold the senior most post in the party.  He said Minister Rajapakshe had no involvement with the party.

The  Colombo District Court has issued an enjoining order preventing former President Sirisena from functioning as the SLFP chairman.

The rival faction has appointed Minister of Ports, Aviation and Shipping Nimal Siripala de Silva as the party’s Acting Chairman.