Highly placed political sources told Asian Mirror that Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader Rauff Hakeem is likely to leave the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government today.

A part of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress is also expected to cross over with Hakeem.

The SLMC Leader has made the decision as discussions with President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees wete not fruitful yesterday evening.

However, the SLMC was not present at the launch of President Mahinda Rajapaksa's election manifesto which took place at the BMICH.

Speaking to Asian Mirror earlier this week, SLMC sources said that regardless of the final decision, there will be a split in the party. “Even if the party decides to leave the government, at least three MPs will remain with the President”, they said.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the leadership of the SLMC was under severe pressure from its rank and file to leave the UPFA government and extend its support to Maithripala Sirisena, Common Candidate of the opposition.