Speaking to the media, he said the UNF manifesto ensured maximum devolution of power within a unitary state.

The manifesto of president Maithripala Sirisena too, says the unitary status of the country will not be altered, he said.

Even before the TNA launched its manifesto, the UNF has declared the devolution of power within a unitary state, said the deputy minister.

The UNF will not agree to anything that denies the country opportunity for its Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities to live together in harmony, he said.

An attempt to obtain a response from the TNA to these remarks was unsuccessful, says BBC Sandeshaya.