Speaking to BBC Sandeshaya, the movement cited their leader Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera being in hospital and opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe being overseas as main reasons for this.

Though the accord was to be signed last Monday, it was postponed at the last minute.

Although media reports cited the names of opposition leader - Ranil Wickremesinghe, UNP leadership council chairman - Karu Jayasuriya and former President - Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga as possible contenders for the common candidate, 'Sri Lanka Mirror' learns that it is being discussed to name a senior SLFP member holding power in the government as the 'common candidate'.