The MPs are namely Bandula Gunewardena, S.M. Chandrasena and Gamini Lokuge, sources say.

They have reportedly declined after President's Secretary - P.B. Abeykoon contacted them yesterday (24) on the matter.

Meanwhile, Bandula Gunewardena had stated before media that he had turned down an offer to accept a ministerial portfolio.

Mr. Gunewardena has said he had done so to fulfil the responsibility of over 4.7 million votes secured by the SLFP, by becoming an opposition MP.