Minister S. B. Dissanayake said that both Patali Champika Ranawaka and Athuraliye Rathana Thera are essential people that should be in the UPFA and it was regretful to see them leave the alliance.

Speaking at an event in Colombo yesterday, Dissanayake pointed out that they were pioneers in changing the country. The UPFA should try its utmost to keep them within its fold, Dissanayake urged.

He also said that the inclusion of Rathana Thera and Ranawaka is vital in a future government formed by the UPFA.

The JHU recently pulled out of the UPFA, following the latter's decision to grant nominations for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The JHU set up the Eksath Yahapalana Jathika Peramuna (United National Front for Good Governance) as a separate front to contest the election.