Certain reports even say that around 15 -20 government MPs and ministers are to resort to this measure.

It is said that the figure includes several senior ministers as well as SLFP bigwigs.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that all attempts taken to persuade an UNP bigwig as well as Jayantha Ketagoda, (the deputy leader of Sarath Fonseka's Democratic Party) to crossover to the government, have failed.

Several more incidents that would not be in the favour of the President, are anticipated to take place in the next few days, reports add.