The website says that he is being unanimously backed by religious leaders, all masses as well as by many political parties including the UNP, SLFP, TNA, SLMC, JHU, JVP and DP.

After a meeting between the UNP leaders including party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and Karu Jayasuriya, Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera of the National Movement for a Just Society was informed of the decision to field Maithripala Sirisena as the common candidate to abolish executive presidency.

The announcement is to be formally announced after tonight's UNP Working Committee meeting.