Asian Mirror is now in a position to reveal that SLFP General Secretary Minister Maithripala Sirisena refused to address the weekly SLFP press conference this morning.

The Minister refused to address the press conference when he was contacted by a senior official of the Ministry of Mass Media and Information. This incident took place against a backdrop where Minister Sirisena’s breakaway from the government is imminent.

Under usual circumstances, Minister Sirisena is a regular speaker at SLFP press conference. Last week too, he spoke at the SLFP Press conference in his capacity as the General Secretary of the party. When asked by journalists, who were present at the press conference, whether he would become the common candidate of the opposition, the Minister giggled, without denying.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry also cancelled an event that was organized to hand over letters of appointment to its new employees, this morning. Minister Maithripala Sirisena was scheduled to take part in the event as the Chief Guest. The Minister had previously confirmed the Health Ministry officials that he would attend the event.

However, a short while ago, the Minister attended an event at Janakala Kendraya in Battaramulla.

It is widely speculated that the Minister will announce his decision today. The UNP sources told Asian Mirror yesterday that Minister Sirisena is likely to be chosen as the common opposition candidate backed by the United National Party.