Although he had initially planned to contest from the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) ticket, Mr. Paranavithana had changed his mind as a mark of protest against former President Mahinda Rajapaksa being granted nominations from the party.

Mr. Paranavithana, who is said to be one of the most trusted aides of President Maithripala Sirisena, is currently the secretary of the Media Ministry.

Earlier, the President had tasked Mr. Paranavithana with the political measures that should be taken in Rathnapura district against former President Mahinda Rajapaksa if the latter decided to contest from the district from a different front after being denied UPFA nominations.