There, she said that her stand with regard to the issue would be made known within the next 24 hours.

When contacted, minister M.K.D.S. Gunawardena said Kumaratunga was not strongly against at the meeting Rajapaksa being given the opportunity to contest the polls.

It was decided to continue supporting the programme of president Maithripala Sirisena, he said.

Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera, Rajitha Senaratne and Duminda Dissanayake also participated.