Amidst severe protest from various quarters, the Maithripala faction of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party has decided to “block” MP Sajin Vaas Gunawardena’s crossover.

It was widely speculated that Gunawardena, who was widely known as a confidante of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, would pledge support to President Maithripala Sirisena. However, a sizable proportion of UNP MPs raised objections over the move saying Gunawardena was responsible for several large scale “deals” that need to be investigated.

Opposition also alleged that Gunawardena assaulted former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Chris Nonis, at a dinner party in New York which was also attended by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Gunawardena was the former CEO of Mihin Lanka government sponsored budget airline. He has also served as coordinating secretary on trade and foreign affairs to the President of Sri Lanka. Prior to entering parliament in 2010 he was a member of the southern provincial council.

In 1995, Gunawardena started working as a project development manager with the Grayline Group and later migrated to Dubai to work with Trico. It was during his stay in Dubai, that then Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapakse traveled to Dubai where they developed a strong connection.

Gunawardena later joined politics upon former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s request.