SLFP new General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekera yesterday invited former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to work with the SLFP. 

"If he is a member of the SLFP, he should come back to the party fold and work with us. If he tries to work with another party, he will lose his parliamentary seat" Jayasekera said while speaking to the media after  meeting in Kurunegala. 

"But, we remember what happened in the past. We remember how they asked voters not to vote for candidates like Shantha Bandara. Nevertheless, we will work together in the future as a coalition," Jayasekera said. 

When asked whether the parties could work together peacefully, Jayasekera said, "Let's see that during the election. We are ready for any challenge."

Commenting about Rajapaksa's party membership, Jayasekera said only the former President could give a clear explanation on the matter. 

"He says he is a lifetime member and an advisor of the party. We are also not very clear about where things stand. We are planning to have a meeting with him and seek a clarification on the matter, " the SLFP General Secretary said.