Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party will not be able to win an election if it decides to contest alone.

Taking part in a public meeting in Rideegama, Ambalanthota, Rajapaksa also pointed out that he was in a dilemma due to conflicting requests made from him.

Some supporters want him to leave the SLFP while the others want him to remain, he explained.

Recent reports said that the 'united opposition', which supports Rajapaksa, was planning to contest the upcoming local government polls separately.