A.H.M. Fowzie, Sarath Amunugama, Faizer Mustapha, Gamini Vijith Wijayamuni Zoysa, Dilan Perera, Arumugam Thondaman, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena and Douglas Devananda have been tipped as suitors.

However, the finalised names remain undecided as certain sects affiliated to the UNP are opposing to several of these individuals, an UPFA bigwig said.

Noting that one Muslim minister is to be appointed, he added that A.H.M. Fowzie and Faizer Mustapha are vying for the post with the latter way ahead of the chase.

Although EPDP leader Douglas Devananda has been tipped for a ministerial portfolio, a main Tamil party in the North has opposed the move, reports say.

It is learnt that the Ceylon Workers' Congress and the Up-country People's Front too, have also opposed the move.

Meanwhile, it is said that a former UPFA minister too, has been suggested. However, reports say that it is unlikely that he is to be appointed as a minister as an institution that fell under his ministry, is facing mass-level corruption charges that had allegedly taken place during his tenure.