The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna is one of the two main parties in the country now, since it has received the backing of more than 7 million people, former minister Basil Rajapaksa claimed.

He made this observation at a press conference today at the coordination office of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Basil Rajapaksa also pointed out that MPs of the SLFP are not joining the new party due to legal barriers. However, he insisted that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa will be convinced to lead the party by any means possible.

The party is officially led by former Minister G.L. Peiris.