The G-20 group and the Parliamentary group of the United National Party have decided to name Minister Maithripala Sirisena as the presidential candidate, backed by the United National Party.

Both groups met this morning, in order to make a final decision with regard to the presidential election.

Both decisions will be endorsed by the party Working Committee which will meet after Minister Sirisena’s announcement. However, party sources told Asian Mirror that the Working Committee will give the green light to the decision made by the two groups.

Minister Maithripala Sirisena is likely to announce his candidature at the presidential election at a full-scale press conference in Colombo this evening.

Minister Sirisena arrived at Parliament after a state event at Janakala Centre and indicated of his possible crossover to several Parliamentarians of the opposition.