Chief Minister of the Western Provincial Council Prasanna Ranatunga said today that he would contest the upcoming general election together with former Prsident Mahinda Rajapaksa, whether the latter contests from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) or separately.

Mr. Ranatunga said he would contest from the Gampaha District.

The Chief Minister said while efforts were being made to bring about unity in the SLFP and UPFA the former president and his supporters would go it alone if these efforts fail.At the same time he said a new alliance which comprised several political parties would be formed under the leadership of Mr. Rajapaksa to contest these elections. He said talks were presently being held on forming such an alliance.

Mr Ranatunga was speaking at a news briefing convened at the residence of former president Rajapaksa, held on Wednesday.(Yohan Perera and Sanath Desmond)