In Sri Lanka, a newly formed political party has called upon former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to join and lead the party. <br/><br/>The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), in its maiden press conference today, said they intend moving forward under the guidance and vision of former president. <br/><br/>The party comprise of mainly the supporters of Mahinda Rajapakse, who is a member of mainstream Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). His supporters are feeling sidelined after formation of national unity government comprising of SLFP and United National Party (UNP). <br/><br/>SLPP is currently being headed by former foreign minister Shri G.L.Peiris and is seen as a pressure tactic for SLFP, currently headed by President Maithripala Sirisena. <br/><br/>Former minister and Mahinda's son Basil Rajapaksa said the launching of the new party was a timely need of the people because the country's national security and economy were at risk . He said SLPP would move ahead by strengthening its own identity even though it had its roots in the SLFP.