It has now come to the limelight that General Secretary of the UNP, Tissa Attanayake has held negotiations with the government over a possible crossover.

The move comes in the wake of the crossover of former General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Maithripala Sirisena. It is clear that the attempts to lure the UNP General Secretary into the ruling party is a move to counter Maithripala Sirisena’s exit.

Attanayake, however, is presently at a private hospital in Colombo. Sources close to Attanayake said he was under medical observation due to viral fever. UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe had visited Attanayake at the private hospital today.

at the meeting with Wickremesinghe, Attanayake had assured to the party leader that he would not cross over.

Although Asian Mirror attempted to contact Attanayake on Sunday, our attempts did not bear fruit as he was in hospitalized.

The UNP General Secretary developed a close relationship with DNA Parliamentarian Tiran Alles in the recent past became a staunch backer of Hambanthota District Parliamentarian Sajith Premadasa. It is a “public” secret among the political circles that the ruling party has attempted to approach several Parliamentarians who are supportive of Sajith Premadasa.