Former Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne said that he was very saddened about emergence of divisions within the party.

He said this while addressing a UPFA MPs’ Kandy district meeting, headed by UPFA General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera.

Former Prime Minister became very sensitive during his speech.

He stated that he was aware of the fact that he would not live for a long time, and he distanced himself from party matters because of the disagreements within the party.  

He mentioned that he personally spoke with former Presidents Chandrika Bandaranaike, and Mahinda Rajapaksa, and President Maithripala Sirisena to request them to lead the party together.

Jayarane stressed that branching of the party occurs because of external pressure on party’s leaders.