The United National Party said former President Maithripala Sirisena's decision to contest the Parliamentary election under the flower bud symbol was a shameful act.

Addressing a press conference, UNP MP Sidney Jayaratne it was Sirisena who publicly said that those who formed breakaway parties would be made to walk on the streets.

Jayaratne questioned as to how Sirisena prepared his mind to contest the election under the same symbol.

The UNP MP said the UNP-led alliance would contest the Parliamentary election under the swan symbol.

He said the UNP-led alliance had a fair chance of winning the election as those who voted for the ruling party are disappointed with the government's performance.