Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa handed over SLFP leadership to President Maithripala Sirisena after discussions at the Speaker's residence, Transport Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said today.

Speaking at an event in Badulla, he said that no one made threats and everything happened in an amicable manner.

He revealed that there were a number of party seniors at the Speaker's residence when Sirisena arrived there. Rajapaksa, Sirisena and the then Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa went upstairs. They returned after discussions and the former President publicly asked Sirisena to take over the party and appoint officials.

De Silva said that breaking up the party at this juncture was pointless. According to the 19th Amendment, we cannot have an election for four and a half years, he pointed out. Therefore, there was no chance of taking power before that, he said.