No matter when the next general election to be held, do not even think about an election without former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, SLFP Media Spokesperson and former Minister Dilan Perera said.

Beyond any doubt, the former President will back the party at the forthcoming election,” Perera added.

He also went into say he is not of the view that Mahinda Rajapaksa would do anything to sabotage the party for personal gain.

S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike’s son Anura Bandaranaike left the party once. Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga did the same. Even President Maithripala Sirisena who was the general secretary of the party for over 14-years defected, but not Mahinda Rajapaksa. He always contributed to the development of the party,” Perera asserted.

Responding to a recent observation made by the President on not giving nominations to the former President, Perera said that If there was any doubt about giving nominations to him, that situation has now changed. We will create a coalition government with President Sirisena and former President Rajapaksa where they will rule the country together.”

The six-member committee which was appointed to coordinate between President Sirisena and the former President, with regard to the future affairs of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) and its main coalition partner – SLFP, met the President few days ago,” he said, adding that they hope it will be a fitting approach to carry out the responsibility in finding the Party’s prime ministerial candidate.

There was a strong request to call-back the former President as the prime ministerial candidate. That is why the committee was appointed. To monitor how Rajapaksa would be able to further contribute the party. And to see what will be the advantages and disadvantages,” said Perera.