Thondaman could not be contacted for a comment, but UPF leader V. Radhakrishnan said they would be happy, not displeased, if that happened.

It is better for the estate community to have another minister to represent them, and it will not be an issue for the UPF if he contests on the SLFP ticket, said Radhakrishnan.

Sources also say that EPDP leader Douglas Devananda too, is to be invited into the government.

‘Thinakkural’ has quoted him as saying that he would not accept, if given, a ministerial portfolio.