Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva had proposed the name of Party Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa during last night's (19) Central Committee meeting while it was seconded by Prime Minister A.H.M. Fowzie.

Minutes of the last CC meeting was tabled by Minister Maithripala Sirisena.

Even though the CC meeting held at the Presidential secretariat had started on a heated note, the discussion had concluded peacefully a few hours later, a cabinet minister has told the 'BBC Sandeshaya'.

Accordingly, the President could announce the presidential election any moment from last midnight, the minister has added.

It is most likely that President Rajapaksa is to make the announcement today, political sources add.

Even though a cabinet meeting was held yesterday as well, no decision on the presidential election was taken.

Also, commissioner of elections, Mahinda Deshapriya has said that he is yet to be officially informed of a presidential election.

Though it is anticipated that the election would take place on Jan. 03 or Jan. 07, the elections commissioner is of the opinion that it would be quite difficult to hold the election on Jan. 03 due to the long holiday season in December.