UNP MO Mujiber Rahuman said a tug of war has occurred between members of the 'Viyathmaga' organization and those affiliated with the Sri Lanka Podujana Party (SLPP).

Addressing a press conference in Colombo, Rahuman said the next election would see an open battle between the two groups affiliated with the ruling party.

"Recently, SLPA Chairman Daya Ratnayake requested the public not to send those who have only pass Grade 8 to Parliament. Ratnayake is a member of the Viyathmaga organization. Whom is he targetting when he refers to those who have only passed Grade 8?" the UNP MP asked.

The MP also added that there are serious differences of opinion between those affiliated with President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and close allies of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

"Therefore, the upcoming Parliamentary election will not be a cakewalk for the ruling party," he said.