President Maithripala Sirisena has delayed the Local Government election by six months amidst serious power struggles within the Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

It was in the grapevine that the SLFP group supporting former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was preparing to field a separate team for the Local Government election, representing the joint opposition. They were largely assisted by the majority of LG representatives of the party.

Political analysts said this could lead to a split in the party ahead of the Local Government election.

To consolidate his power in the party, the President has now decided to offer ministerial and deputy ministerial portfolios to some party members supporting the Rajapaksa camp. 

At the same time, the President will also take swift measures to introduce electoral reforms before the Local Government election. Sources close to the President said the LG election will take place under the new electoral system. 

Another legislation ensuring 25 percent representation for women in Local Government bodies will also presented to the House before the LG election. 

However, top-brass leaders of the government earlier said that the LG election would not be postponed as it was against the will of the people.