The Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), a key constituent party of the ruling coalition, is to make the final decision on its support to the government over the weekend.

The final round of discussions between the government and the JHU is to take place during the weekend at Temple Trees. The discussion will be attended by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa and several other seniors of the United People’s Freedom Alliance.

A spokesman of the JHU on the condition of anonymity told Asian Mirror that the party was not satisfied with the manner in which the government greeted the proposals presented by the JHU. However, JHU Parliamentary group leader Athuraliye Rathana Thera had reiterated that the party would not support the government unless there is a constitutional amendment before the next presidential election.

Meanwhile, sources from the UNP told Asian Mirror that the JHU had expressed willingness to extend its support to the main opposition if the UNP fielded Karu Jayasuriya as the presidential candidate of the party. They had strictly opposed candidacy of party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to the post of Executive President.

When asked about this, the JHU spokeperson declined to comment on the matter.

Giving a new turn to this development, the “Mawbima” newapaper owned by Parliamentarian Tiran Alles reported today that Minister Champika Ranawaka and Parliamentary Group Leader Athuraliya Rathana Thera are planning to cross the aisle of parliament on November 15. The report further stated that the party would vote against the Budget 2015 presented by President Mahinda Rajapaksa last month.

However, representatives of the political parties of the opposition are scheduled to meet at Naga Viharaya today to make a crucial decision on the opposition’s common candidate. Chief incumbent of Naga Viharaya Kotte, Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera will preside over the meeting.