State Minister Sudarshanie Fernandopulle hit out at former Minister Basil Rajapaksa for trying to divide the Sri Lanka Freedom Party by organizing a new party, and raised the suspicion that Rajapaksa is carrying out a deal with the UNP.

Speaking to the media at Katana SLFP office, Fernandopulle said that the SLFP is extremely concerned because of the reports which claim a group within the party is planning to form a new party, with a separate name, symbol and color.

While there was nothing wrong in forming a movement opposed to the government, the creating on a new party raises suspicion, as no UNP or JVP member would join it, she added.

Several former local councilors recently claimed that the party will definitely be announced once the Local Government Elections are announced and that Basil Rajapaksa will be its national organizer.