Seven of them are extremely loyal to Rajapaksa.

In recent days, president Sirisena has told ministers loyal to him that he would make things happen in order for Rajapaksa to withdraw his nominations.

Meanwhile, western province chief minister Prasanna Ranatunga alleges the Rajapaksa loyalists are being sidelined and Sirisena loyalists given nominations.

If Rajapaksa loyalists fail to gain nominations from the UPFA, they are due to contest the general election on the ‘flower bud’ symbol of the Ape Sri Lanka Nidahas Peramuna.