President Maithripala Sirisena has ordered the setting up of an 'intelligence unit' in the party before the Local Government election. 

The unit, according to highly placed party sources, will gather information on MPs and party officials supporting other political parties at the election. 

The decision comes in the wake of many SLFP seniors deciding to throw their weight behind the Sri Lanka Podujana Party, at the election, without supporting the SLFP's campaign. 

"Based on the information gathered by the intelligence unit, stern action will be taken against them. The President has already assured the party that he will take stern action on those breaching party discipline," a senior Cabinet Minister representing the SLFP told Asian Mirror. 

Asked about the logic behind the setting up of an intelligence unit before an important election, the Minister said, "First, we need information. Then the disciplinary process can start. The party cannot afford to make ill-informed decision."

He also added that the intelligence unit would function as a committee and closely monitor the election campaigns of the SLFP and the Podujana Peramuna.

However, other SLFP sources stated that the order to set up a unit of this sort might be an attempt to send a strong message to 'those on the fence' to align with the party's election campaign.