Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday hit out at the decision by President Maithripala Sirisena to sack several electorate and district organizers of the SLFP from their positions, claiming that this was the manner in which the party leadership is attempting to make them leave the party.

Speaking to the media after visiting his son Namal Rajapaksa in the remand prison, the former President claimed that his supporters are the real SLFP. "SWRD Bandaranaike left the UNP not to deal with it. The UNP has not accepted Bandaranaike principles," Rajapaksa said.

He added that the recent developments in the party were extremely disturbing..

Several 'Joint Opposition' members who support Rajapaksa were sacked from their posts yesterday. They included Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Gamini Lokuge and C.B. Rathnayake.