SLFP to take disciplinary action against defectors 

 The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) is contemplating stern disciplinary action against newly-appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and 33 SLFP MPs who obtained the membership of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) on Sunday, SLFP sources said on Monday.         
 
President Maithripala Srisena who is also the chairman of the SLFP has issued this directive to party general secretary Rohana Luxman Piyadasa as the action of the group led by Mr. Rajapaksa will create divisions within the SLFP.      
 
The SLFP Central Committee will appoint a disciplinary action committee to conduct inquiries against all the SLFP members who have joined the SLPP leaving their respective party, a top official at the SLFP office in Colombo told the Sunday Times Online.     
 
According to the SLFP Constitution, disciplinary action could be taken against members over their action of joining another political party, promoting another party, aiding or helping another party as such actions are not allowed, he said. 
 
Those who engage in such action can be expelled from the party, he added.
 
However, he noted that the SLFP think-tank is closely watching the situation with the intention of reuniting the party and form a broad alliance with all progressive parties for the upcoming general election. (Bandula)