Former Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa arrived in Sri Lanka short while ago and a large crowd including several politicians are reportedly waiting outside the  Bandaranaike International Airport to welcome him.

A ten member committee is tipped to be appointed to unite the SLFP factions that support President Maithripala Sirisena and former president Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa addressing the parliament today has stated that the Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksha informed that steps are being taken for officials to go to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to obtain a statement.

Leader of the house Media Minister Gayantha Karunathilaka has informed the parliament today that the presentation of 19th amendment to the parliament has been postponed to 27 April and the vote will be held on 28 April.

Police read out a court order at a protest currently being carried out near the Parliament, issued by the Kaduwela Magistrate pronouncing that no protests should be held near the Parliament or its surrounding areas.

(Update) The group protesting in order to extend support to the opposition parliamentarians, who are engaged in a fast until the decision to summon the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa before the Bribery Commission is changed, have been stopped by the Anti-riot Squad using barricades.