A number of MPs representing the SLPP have criticised the SLFP's proposal to have former President Maithripala Sirisena as the joint leader of the SLPP-SLFP alliance.

The two parties have already signed an agreement to contest the upcoming Parliamentary election as a common alliance.

However, a number of young MPs in the SLPP namely Dilum Amunugama, Shehan Semasinghe and Kanchana Wijesekera have publicly criticized the SLFP's proposal to have former President Sirisena as the Joint Leader of the alliance. They have made it clear that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa should function as the only leader of the alliance.

Meanwhile, the SLPP MPs are also of the view that the alliance should contest under the 'flower bud' symbol.

Responding to the remarks by SLPP MPs, UPFA General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera said seniors of the alliance have already come to an understanding on future arrangements.