Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Ministers and Deputy Ministers have informed President Maithripala Sirisena of their continued support to the President and the national unity government.

The pledge comes in the wake of the removal of Tourism and Christian Affairs Deputy Minister Arundika Fernando on September 12 for making statements in support of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

At least 18 Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the SLFP had earlier threatened to leave the government by September citing dissatisfaction with certain policies of the government, with MP Arundika Fernando calling the current situation “one of crisis”.  

Following his removal, the Puttalam district MP had met with President Maithripala Sirisena and apologized for his action leading to speculation he will appointed to a new ministerial or deputy ministerial portfolio soon.