The minister said that this issue was taken up at length during last night's discussion with the President.

Several decisive rounds of discussion over the prevailing political situation were held last evening and night, including a special discussion between the President and the party leaders of the UPFA.

Speaking, General Secretary of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party - Prof. Tissa Vitharana said that the majority of UPFA party leaders who joined this discussion had stated that Mr. Rajapaksa should be granted UPFA candidacy.

Maithri vouches :

This discussion was followed by another between the President and the 36 ministers from the UPFA.

Speaking on this regard, minister M.K.D.S. Gunewardena said President Maithripala Sirisena had emphasised during the discussion that Mr. Rajapaksa would not be granted PM candidacy, group leadership or the reins of the election campaign.

Informing the group to prepare themselves to contest under the 'Betel leaf' symbol, the President has assured them that he would 'take care of everything', the minister added.

Meanwhile, a special discussion was also held last night between former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his group of supporters.