Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that when he handed over the Sri Lanka Freedom Party to President Maithripala Sirisena, his intention was to retire from politics.

 

He made this observation during a reception held at Western Province Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga's official residence. The reception was attended by 87 MPs from 11 parties in the United People's Freedom Alliance.

 

Rajapaksa also pointed out that despite his plans, there was a huge demand for his return to politics which cannot be ignored at the moment.

 

He also told the gathering that the Sri Lanka Freedom Party is the rallying point for the "Pancha Maha Balawegaya." Founding leaders of the SLFP S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike and D. A. Rajapaksa formed the party to oppose the United National Party, the former president stated.