SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader Minister Udaya Gammanpila did not enjoy the 'party leader status' in the ruling SLPP-led alliance.

Kariyawasam made this remark to Asian Mirror when asked about several party leaders in the ruling alliance boycotting a meeting convened by the Prime Minister.

The General Secretary admitted that several party leaders including Wimal Weerawansa, Vasudewa Nanayakkara and prof. Tissa Vitarana did not attend the meeting.

"But Gammanpila is not considered a party leader. So, it is wrong to say that he boycotted the party leaders meeting," the General Secretary added.

However, responding to the General Secretary's statement, Minister Gammanpila said as far as he knew he was a party leader in the SLPP-led alliance.

"Who says I am not a party leader?" Gammanpila asked.