Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa launched a veiled attack on SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekera yesterday saying the General Secretary should issue media statements in a responsible manner. 

Speaking at the UPFA parliamentary group meeting chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena, Rajapaksa said the General Secrerary must refrain from giving statements that strengthen the "conspirators."

Rajapaksa made these remarks in the presence of President Maithripala Sirisena who appointed Jayasekera the General Secretary of the party.

SLFP new General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekera, on Sunday, 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.

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.