Sirisena says sacked ministers were conspiring against the government

The General Secretary of the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), Maithreepala Sirisena, said sacked ministers have been trying to divide the ruling party.

Ministers Anura Bandaranaike, Mangala Samaraweera and Sripathi Sooriyaarachchi were sacked by President Rajapaksa a day after Bandaranaike spoke on alleged death threats.

SLFP 'saviours'

Bandaranaike told BBC Sandeshaya immediately after the sacking that no reason were given and he felt 'relieved' for not being a part of 'hellish' government.

Maithreepala Sirisena and Mahinda Rajapaksa have been working for the sake of the party while others involved in conspiracy Minister Maithreepala Sirisena

Commenting on the announcement at the parliament by Bandaranaike on alleged death threats, Agriculture minister Maithreepala Sirisena said Bandaranaike 'dug his own grave'.

The younger brother of former President Kumaratunga has been working against the government for a long time, he said, and others joined him at a later stage.

Rally with UNP dissidents

"Maithreepala Sirisena and Mahinda Rajapaksa have been working for the sake of the party while others involved in conspiracy," Sirisena told a gathering in Polonnaruwa.

	Jayasuriya (R) and other UNP dissidents attended the rally in Polonnaruwa

The public meeting was organised by Deputy Land Minister Chandrasiri Sooriyaarachchi to welcome dissidents from the main opposition.

It was the first public meeting addressed by the United National Party (UNP) dissidents, since joining Rajapaksa administration last month.

Former UNP deputy leader, Karu Jayasuriya and ministers Rajitha Senaratne, Naveen Dissanayake and RAD Sirisena also addressed the gathering.