Some trying to break Mahinda-Sirisena alliance: opposition

An opposition party on Thursday blamed unnamed international groups of trying to break the new alliance formed between President Maithripala Sirisena and his predecessor Mahinda Rajapakse.

Sirisena and Rajapaksa have decided to work together towards the victory of their party in the August parliamentary polls. Rajapakse has signed the nomination papers under the Sirisena-led United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA).

Wimal Weerawansa, the National Freedom Front (NFF) leader and a strong ally of the former president, told reporters that some people opposed to the alliance had infiltrated the UPFA to try split the party, Xinhua reported.

"Certain local and foreign groups are trying to break the alliance between the president and Mahinda Rajapakse and some of these members are within the UPFA. These member are against this alliance and they are trying their best to break this," Weerawansa said.

"We, as Rajapakse supporters, are trying to go on the right path to put this country back on track with the backing of President Sirisena. This strong alliance between the two leaders will benefit the nation," he said.

Weerawansa also confirmed that Rajapakse on Thursday signed the nomination papers to contest the August 17 parliamentary elections.

Rajapakse will contest in Kurunegala district in northwestern Sri Lanka. Weerawansa said the opposition was confident in forming a new government after the elections.