Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa alleged that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) postponed its anniversary celebrations to coincide with President Maithripala Sirisena's birthday.

"The party anniversary is on September 02. The event was postponed by a day to allow Maithri to get more birthday wishes," the former President said, addressing a meeting in Matara, this weekeend.

Rajapaksa and his supporters boycotted the party's anniversary event held at Campbell Park, Borella, on Sunday.

"The President told the Parliamentary group that he prevented the SLFP's victory at the last Parliamentary election by removing the two General Secretaries. He told the same to the UNP Parliamentary group. He knew the UPFA was going to get 117 seats. Therefore, it was him who paved the way for the UNP's victory at the Parliamentary election."

"Today, his supporters take part in the party anniversary event, saying 'Api Ranil ta - Ranil Apita'. They can choose to be on Ranil's side. But, we are determined stand against Ranil," the former President said.

Rajapaksa also added that policies of his group were based on the principles of the late S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, the founder of the SLFP.