The minister told Sri Lanka Mirror that the proposal from Rajapaksa’s side wants a suspension of investigations into members of his family and politicians and officials loyal to them.

In return, Rajapaksa has expressed willingness to work with president Sirisena at the upcoming general election.

This message was conveyed to the president by a top parliamentary affairs official close to Rajapaksa and a very close relative of his, through a SLFP minister this morning.

However, president Sirisena has firmly turned down the proposal, said the minister.