President Maithripala Sirisena dealt a serious blow at former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's 'dream' of becoming Prime Minister, saying that if the SLFP wins the upcoming general election, he will have enough senior SLFP members to be appointed as Prime Minister.

Making a special statement this evening, Sirisena said that he was strongly opposed to giving nominations to Rajapaksa and is still opposed to it. However, he said that he agreed so that the party unity is preserved. "My opposition to Mahinda Rajapaksa stands" he said.

He also said that Rajapaksa is trying to prevent others from becoming Prime Minister.

Sirisea said that he wanted a parliament which will take forward the principles of the January 8 mandate, irrespective of the party.