Don't underestimate the SLFP - President

Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) leader President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday (Sept 15) warned against underestimating his party, stating that his party members were prepared to show their strength if required.

Addressing a district rally in Kurunegala, the President told party supporters that no presidential candidate can win the presidential elections without the support of the SLFP.

He noted that the SLFP would be facing the upcoming election in the backdrop of the favourable results which have been reaped due to several social welfare projects which had been implemented over the last five years.

Accordingly, he said that a five-year plan which would not cause unfavourable consequences to the party and its supporters would be adopted in near future.

While observing that the SLFP has been invited by the ruling coalition and the opposition to form an alliance, the President emphasised that no discussions have been held with the United National Party so far.

He stressed that the SLFP has been taking part in talks with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) while ensuring that the country and the party's identity is being protected at all times.

Further, he said that although the leaders of the SLPP are grateful to the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) of which the SLFP is a constituent party, for securing their parliamentary seat, the second tier of SLPPers have forgotten about it.

All SLPP parliamentarians had entered Parliament under the United People's Freedom Alliance banner before crossing over to the new party.