Nimal Siripala disclosed the truth, while addressing Badulla district SLFP Youth Front on 21st February 2016. In his address, he said that Mahinda voluntarily handed over the leadership of SLFP to Maithtree in presence of his brother, then Speaker of Parliament, Chamal Rajapakshe.
As far as he is concerned, that no one took over the leadership with threats, he said. Rajapakshe did this in front of us. Mahinda told Maithree to take over the leadership and appoint officials. That is why we joined with Maithree. We resolve to stand by the party, and not by individuals, he concluded.
