President Maithripala Sirisena, in his capacity as Sri Lanka Freedom Party Chairman, suspended the membership of five SLFP members who joined the UNP-led United National Front for Good Governance to contest the upcoming general election.

The suspended members are Ministers Rajitha Senaratne, M.K.D.S. Gunawardena, S.B. Nawinne, Arjuna Ranatunga and Provincial Councilor Hirunika Premachandra.

These SLFP members joined the UNP-led alliance following the decision by the UPFA to grant nomination for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.