He had given his approval after convening a group of prominent political figures who had backed him during the Presidential election in January.

A large number of political figures including Rajitha Senaratne, Arjuna Ranatunga, M.K.D.S. Gunewardena and Hirunika Premachandra were summoned to this event held last night (10).

20 anti-MR figures to UNP

At the present, around 20 Maithri affiliates have already decided to contest the upcoming General election from the UNP as a mark of protest against former President Mahinda Rajapaksa being granted UPFA nominations.