Government partners, the joint Muslim Congress and the Basha (language) and Socialist Party headed by Minister P Digambaram are poised to breakaway and join Sirisena.

There is also the possibility of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) quitting the government once Sirisena hands over his nomination papers on December 8.

According to front-liners in the SLMC the party has come to a conclusion that as they have received no positive response from the government over their proposals there was no point in looking forward to any more discussions.

UNP leader Ranil Wickremasinghe had strongly hinted at the SLMC teaming up with Sirisena at the party's 55th convention held at Sirikotha, the party headquarters.
"There are more people waiting to join us and that's not a problem", said Wickremasinghe.

Meanwhile there is speculation that some members from the Opposition were contemplating joining the government.