Common Candidate Maithripala Sirisena’s final rally in Maradana ended without any crossover despite widespread speculations.

It was widely believed that a senior-most Minister of the present Cabinet might cross over to the opposition during the final election rally of the Common Opposition.

Maithripala Sirisena, who arrived at the rally at about 11.30 pm, made his speech standing beside a bullet proof screen, surrounded by security officers.

He assured to the cheering crowds that the 10 year long rule of President Mahinda Rajapaksa has come to an end. The Common Candidate of the opposition concluded the final speech of his election campaign three minutes before the midnight.

Meanwhile, multiple political sources from the opposition claimed that no national level leader in the Common Opposition – including UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa, former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka and Uva Province Opposition Leader Harin Fernando – would cross over to the government ahead of the presidential election.

Although major crossovers were expected at the UPFA final election rally in Kesbewa, the meeting ended without much drama. At his final rally, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that he would emerge victorious at presidential polls.

Speaking to Asian Mirror, former UNP Parliamentarian and Uva PC Opposition Leader Harin Fernando said he would never join the government and the rumour was entirely baseless. He assured that none of the prominent leaders of the Common Opposition would cross over to the government.