The United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has decided not to grant nominations to several former MPs of the party, political sources say.

After being dejected over former President Mahinda Rajapaksa being granted nominations from the UPFA, SLFP Treasurer - minister S.B. Nawinna has reportedly decided to crossover to the UNP.

Several SLFPers bearing ministerial portfolios have criticised Mahinda Rajapaksa being granted nominations from the UPFA.

A group of former LTTE members are looking into the possibility of contesting the upcoming General election.

Former minister Mervyn Silva has been seen meditating in the Ritigala Forest area.

Political circles are worried about the president’s silence over the announcement by UPFA general secretary Susil Premajayantha and SLFP general secretary Anura Priyadarshana Yapa that the UPFA would give nominations for former president Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Egypt Thursday pressed its campaign to crush an escalating insurgency in Sinai, vowing to wipe out "dens of terror" on the peninsula after a spectacular attack by jihadis killed dozens.