Minister of Provincial Councils and Regional Development stated that he was greatly disturbed at the President's statement last evening, especially since it is disadvantageous for the Sri Lanka Freedom Party during the election time.

Calling a special media conference at his home last night, Tennakoon said that the SLFP Central Committee should be convened to decide on the course of action to be taken in the election.

President Maithripala Sirisena, making a special statement last evening, said that he was against giving nominations to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He added that Rajapaksa will lose the next election.