Multiple sources of the government and the opposition told Asian Mirror that major crossovers from both sides have been postponed until the last week of December.
Speaking to Asian Mirror, highly placed political sources said most of the Parliamentarians, who initially wanted to cross over, are now sceptical as they are uncertain about the final result of the election.
The MPs, according to sources, will make a final decision depending on the progress of political campaigns of both camps. It is learnt that the large majority of ‘crossover hopefuls’ have now resorted to a wait-and-see policy, without making hasty moves.
Spokespersons of both camp claim that there will be more crossovers before the presidential election which is scheduled to take place on January 08. But, they still haven’t revealed the ‘timelines’ of forthcoming crossovers.
Addressing a political meeting in Bulathsinhala last week, Common Candidate Maithripala Sirisena said at least half of the government would be on his side by the time of the presidential election. He said they would cross over to the opposition at the right time in the right manner.
Meanwhile, former Minister Rajitha Senaratne said another section of ruling party Parliamentarians had promised to remain in the government and work for the common opposition
However, in response to this, the spokespersons of the government have scoffed at crossover remarks made by key figures of the common opposition.
Former UNP General Secretary and Minister of Health Tissa Attanayake has said that 20 electorate organizers of the UNP, including four in Polonnaruwa, are ready to support the campaign of the President.