The Tamil National Alliance said the party would make a decision on the Presidential election once the election is announced.

Speaking to Asian Mirror, a TNA MP who wished to remain anonymous said the party would mak a final decision on supporting a candidate after the main political camps announce their candidates.

He added the party was certainly not in a position to support former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa who has been fielded by the SLPP.

"The UNP, however, has not announced their candidate. We have worked with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in the past so we can consider supporting him. However, UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa does not seem to have expressed clear views on minority rights. Hence, we don't know as yet if we can support him," he added.

"If we cannot agree on supporting a mainstream candidate," he added, "we also have the option of fielding our own candidate."