A leaked audio clip of President Maithripala Sirisena in which he is heard slamming the UNP in foul language has sparked a controversy among the UNP rank and file, informed political sources said.

The audio clip has hit the final nail on the Presidential candidacy bid of UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa, a close associate of President Sirisena, they also added.

In the audio clip, President Sirisena is heard slamming the UNP in obscene language over an issue concerning the Police Department.

"How is Premadasa planning to strengthen the UNP by joining hands with a man who censures the UNP and its supporters in obscene language?" a senior UNP spokesman asked, commenting on the audio. The clip made its entry into social media as Premadasa campaign hit a snag with Speaker Karu Jayasuriya emerging as the potential Presidential candidate of the UNP.

The President is also heard blaming the Police, a department that comes under his own purview, for colluding with the UNP.

Several associates of President Sirisena confirmed the authenticity of the audio clip and said it was a real one.