Confusion reigned as the Sri Lanka Freedom Party canceled a press conference scheduled for this morning to announce its position on the Presidential election.

However, when the party's Central Committee met last night they decided to entrust President Maithripala Sirisena with the task of making a final decision on the matter. The decision was expected to be announced at a press conference at 11 AM.

It was reported last night that the SLFP was inclined to support SLPP candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential election.

In an interesting turn of events, several leaders of the SLPP confirmed to Asian Mirror last night that the SLPP would retain its symbol 'flower bud' for the Presidential election.

President Sirisena previously indicated to Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa that the SLFP would only support the SLPP if the latter agreed to contest uder a common symbol.