Addressing a press conference soon after former General Secretary of the UNP Tissa Attanayake joined the government, common candidate Maithripala Sirisena said some members of the government are of the belief that they are already on the losing side.

He also revealed that his policy framework pertaining to the presidential election will be released next week.

Commenting on the conduct of the state media of the country, the common candidate of the opposition said the state media was giving unfair attention to the election campaign of the President.

“We will not be deterred by this,” he said while adding that the common opposition, under its rule, will ensure freedom and that will be included in the policy framework.

The common candidate also added that his declaration of assets could be inspected by anyone without any problem. He also went on to present tokens for fuel allowance for 2014 that amounted to over Rs. 1 million, saying he had not used them.

The common candidate dubbed this election as a battle between the power of weapons and the power of the people.

“People expect a change and we will ensure that this happens,” Sirisena also added.

Meanwhile, addressing the same press conference, Leader of the Democratic Party Sarath Fonseka said, “as political leaders we are ashamed by people who crossed over for money “. Deputy Leader of his party, MP Jayantha Ketagoda too, crossed over to the government today along with Attanayake.