UPFA General Secretary Susil Premjayantha, addressing a press conference in Colombo, dubbed Minister Maithripala Sirisena’s exit from the party as a conspiracy, like in 1959.

“They are trying to destabilise the country like they did in 1959,” the Minister, addressing the weekly UPFA press conference, said.

“In the past individuals who held high positions in the party have moved away from the SLFP at various points,” the UPFA General Secretary added.Over the past few years,  Premjayantha was usually seen at UPFA press conferences with his SLFP counterpart Maithripala Sirisena.

“SLFP has faced many challenges in the past and we have faced crossovers as well,” the Minister said referring to the present development in the party. It has been widely reported that nearly 15 MPs of the ruling party have held negotiations with the opposition.

“If there was no executive Presidency in Sri Lanka, the problems in the country would have deteriorated,” the Minister added. However, his remark was in stark contrast to the official viewpoint of the Sri lanka Freedom Party. The SLFP, on numerous occasions, has stated that it is opposed to Executive Presidency, on principle.

 Meanwhile, addressing the same press conference, NFF leader Minister Wimal Weerawansa said, "What Sarath Fonseka understands now, someone else will realise it next year."

" We urge the leaders of the JHU to understand this international conspiracy," Minister Weerawansa said.

The Minister also added that Enemy forces of the country want to spread discord among different communities

Minister Maithripala Sirisena too is to address a special press conference at New Town Hall in a while.