Maithripala refuses to give nomination to Mahinda - sources

President Maithripala Sirisena has refused to give nominations to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest the upcoming General Election under the UPFA ticket, political sources told Ada Derana.

The party leaders of the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) convened a special meeting this evening at the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of President Sirisena.  

The topic of giving nominations to the former President was reportedly extensively discussed at the meeting. 

UPFA General Secretary  Susil Premajayantha stated that the President had assured that he would discuss the matter with his parliamentary group and announce his decision tomorrow (June 03).

However, political sources say that during the meeting the President had refused to give nominations to Mahinda Rajapaksa. 

Rajapaksa had yesterday said that he intends to re-enter politics and stand in parliamentary elections next month.

Mr Rajapaksa lost the presidential elections to party rival Maithripala Sirisena in January.

Speaking in front of a large crowd of supporters in his home district, Mr Rajapaksa said he could not reject their clamour for him to stand.

But it was not clear which party the former president would represent.

Mr Sirisena, the new leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) which Mr Rajapaksa led for 10 years prior to his downfall, has ruled out appointing him as candidate.

In his speech on Wednesday in his home town of Medamulana, Mr Rajapaksa said that he and his supporters “will contest and look to form the next government”.

Mr Rajapaksa did not say if he was aiming to become prime minister, instead choosing to invite “all political parties to join hands” with him for the 17 August vote.

Last week, President Sirisena dissolved the parliament, paving the way for fresh parliamentary elections in mid-August, eight months ahead of the schedule.