Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has stressed that he would not allow anyone to underestimate Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and he is ready to show the strength of the party to all. Addressing the SLFP convention in Ratnapura yesterday, the party leader said regardless of the candidate, no candidate can win the next Presidential election without the support of the SLFP. He said although the SLFP has received invitations from both from the United National Party (UNP) and Sri Lanka People's Party (SLPP) for an alliance, no discussions were held with the UNP and the discussions with the SLPP were held giving priority to identity of the SLFP.<br />''<span style="color: #222222;"><br />''The President said the SLPP MPs had been able to retain their Parliamentary seats due to a letter submitted by the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary MP Mahinda Amaraweera. He added that while the top leaders and grassroots level members of the SLPP were grateful for it. His comments came as SLFP is in talks with SLPP for an alliance while President is believed to be backing the candidature of UNP Deputy Leader and Minister Sajith Premadasa for Presidential elections scheduled for later this year. UNP is yet to announce its candidate amidst infighting while SLPP has named former Defence Secretary Gotabya Rajapksa as its candidate.</span><br />