The first rally of the newly formed Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna will be held in Nugegoda on January 27 with the participation of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The rally will commence at 2.00 p.m., the SLPP announced.

The SLPP held a meeting at Rajapaksa's office in Battaramulla yesterday.

Rajapaksa has not officially joined the new party, although he supports it.

The party was formed on November 2 with the leadership of Prof. G.L. Peiris. Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa joined it later.