In an attempt to save the Sri Lanka Freedom Party from splitting into two, President Maithripala Sirisena gave his consent to have discussions with the 'Joint Opposition' leaders and resolve differences.

In a meeting held at his residence late last evening, Sirisena and the SLFP Ministers, Deputy Ministers and State Ministers agreed that the differences should be resolved by discussions.

This came after some acrimonious verbal attacks and counter attacks during the last few days between the SLFP group supporting Sirisena and some 'Joint Opposition' leaders, who support former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Several SLFP Sirisena camp stalwarts publicly accused several non-SLFP leaders of the 'Joint Opposition' of trying to split the party.

At a recent press conference, Athauda Seneviratne accused Dinesh Gunawardena, Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila of trying to split the party.

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera went even further, arguing that the 'Joint Opposition' leaders had come to a deal with the UNP to split the party.

In response, the National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa stated that it was Sirisena who split the SLFP by coming into a deal with the UNP.

Meanwhile, some SLFP leaders are already engaged in an attempt to bring about a reconciliation between the Rajapaksa camp and Sirisena camp within the party. However, some 'Joint Opposition' members have declared that they will be forming a new political front to contest the forthcoming Local Government Elections.