Recently, two cabinet ministers from Kalutara district have visited Minister Sirisena's residence in Colombo and held a secret discussion for around two hours, reports say.

They have reportedly requested the minister to lead the force of SLFP seniors who are attempting to convince the president to halt snap presidential polls, limit executive presidential powers and to elect a state leader responsible to Parliament.

Meanwhile, upon the government learning of this discussion, several other MPs and Ministers have met with minister Sirisena and urged him not to fall for such suggestions.

They have also urged the minister to remain as a senior SLFP leader and the party General Secretary to safeguard the party and ensure the victory of the Presidential election.

However, Minister Sirisena made a statement recently which caused much controversy. Afterwards, in a formal correspondence to the President, the minister had even informed the latter that it is unsuitable to hold a presidential election at this juncture as the president has two more years remaining in his second term in office.