Krishantha Pushpakumara, the United National Party (UNP) Southern Provincial Councillor, announced that he was to leave the party to join Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), with reports that more are set to join him.

Pushpakumara told reporters that at the forthcoming Southern Provincial Council election, he would now be contesting as an SLFP candidate, complaining of “unfair treatment” by his current party.

The move comes as Sri Lankan Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, stated that a group of UNP MPs were holding discussions with the SLFP, with hopes of crossing over and even standing as Chief Minister candidates in the upcoming provincial council elections.

The UNP held a meeting of their Leadership Council today, at their headquarters in Colombo, to discuss the future direction of the party, and future Chief Minister candidates.

Amongst those reported to be present are members of the United Bhikku Front, a Buddhist monks’ organisation, who will be advising the group on who will fill vacancies in the Leadership Council.

UNP MP jumps ship - 'My leader is Mahinda Rajapaksa' (24 July 2013)

UNP member applies for SLFP nomination (23 June 2013)

Also see:

UNP's saffron party whip (09 Dec 2013)

UNP calls for all party unity against UNHRC resolution (07 December 2013)

UNP slams Rajapaksa over possibility of int'l inquiry (24 November 2013)

UNP apologises to extremist Buddhist movement (20 November 2013)

UNP 'opposed to international inquiry' (19 November 2013)

UNP seeks MoU with govt on UNHRC resolution (13 March 2013)