Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa expressed confidence last night (25) that Joint Opposition Parliamentarian Kumara Welgama would not break away from the party. 

Welgama has been highly critical of moves to offer Presidential candidacy of the Joint Opposition to former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. He has also hit out at several stalwarts of the Joint Opposition including Gamini Lokuge, Lohan Ratwatte and Mahindananda Aluthgamage for attempting to form a Caretaker Government with President Maithripala Sirisena. 

The Parliamentarian had openly said he was only supportive of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and not of other members of his family - especially the former Defence Secretary. 

"I don't think Welgama will break away. He has not talked about breaking away from our party," Rajapaksa said while speaking to a group of reporters in Kosgoda, last night. 

When asked whether he warned Welgama on his controversial remarks, Rajapaksa said there was no need to warn him " Welgama is a senior Parliamentarian. He doesn't require special advice. 

"As far as I can see, there is no problem involving Weligama," Rajapaksa said dismissing queries by reporters.