By Sandun A. Jayasekera

Another supposed final news briefing to announce the Sri Lanka Freedom Party’s (SLFP) stance on the presidential election will be held at 10.30 a.m. today at its office at Darley Road, a party source said yesterday.  

He said another crucial meeting would be held among President Maithripala Sirisena, SLPP presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa, opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa and SLPP national organizer Basil Rajapaksa at the President’s official residence.   

“The issue we are facing today is that a number of constituent parties and district organizers are vehemently opposed to joining the SLPP which has opted to go ahead with the ‘pohottuwa’ symbol,” the source said.  

He said in case the talks failed with the leaders of the two parties unable to reach a compromise, the SLFP hierarchy would probably hold discussions with the New Democratic Front (NDF) to extend support to Minister Sajith Premadasa’s candidature for the presidency.  

“What ever happens on Tuesday night, the SLFP will announce its ‘finally final’ stance this morning,” he told Daily Mirror last afternoon.

Several constituent parties and district organizers are opposed to joining the SLPP which has opted to go ahead with the ‘pohottuwa’ symbol