Multiple sources from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) confirmed that the party will contest the forthcoming Local Government election under the symbol 'Hand'. 

This comes in the wake of the breakdown of talks between the two rival factions of the party. 

Sri Lanka Podujana Permuna sources told Asian Mirror that they were not in  a position to proceed with talks as the SLFP did not agree to pull out of the unity government or vote against the budget. 

It is now learnt that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna will contest the election under the symbol 'flower bud' with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa leading the campaign. 

Their sources said the party was fully prepared to contest the election alone as an island wide election machinery had already been built up. 

They added that a sizable proportion of SLFP members would rally around with the breakaway group ahead of the election.

The party has already deposited money to contest the election in three districts.