UNP MP Mangala Samaraweera, whose name was mentioned in connection with  a possible crossover to the government over the past few weeks, attended the common opposition rally which was organized against the Executive Presidency, this evening.

Samaraweera took part in the rally soon after his return to Sri Lanka following a brief tour to Singapore. 

Samaraweera's presence in the rally was a denial of speculations over a possible crossover. It seemed as if the UNP Parliamentarian had made up his mind to remain in the opposition. 

Samaraweera was given a front row seat by the organizers of the common opposition rally. UNP Deputy Leader and Hambanthota District Parliamentarian Sajith Premadasa, who was not in the best of terms with Samaraweera, sat alongside. 

Heavy traffic was reported in and around Nawam Mawatha this afternoon due to the rally. The two main political parties of the opposition, namely the UNP and the JVP, took part in the rally. The protest was held at Muttiah Ground, near Gangarama Temple.