President Maithripala Sirisena informed United People’s Freedom Alliance party leaders that he has no objection to former president Mahinda Rajapaksa contesting the next election under the UPFA ticket.

UPFA General Secretary former minister Susil Premayantha told media thatt president Sirisena made that statement during the UPFA party leaders meeting which was held on Saturday (11).

A lengthy discussion on 19th Amendment to the Constitution took place in the meeting, Premajayantha also said.

National Freedom Front (NFP) leader Wimal Weerawansa did not attend to the meeting, even though all the party leaders of UPFA were invited for it, local media reported.