However, it is reported that Basil had avoided the meeting as the presidential candidate selection was the main topic for discussion yesterday.

It is also reported that Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila were planning on suggesting Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s name as the presidential candidate.

The date for this meeting was decided upon two weeks ago and as the SLFP had nominated Maithripala Sirisena as their presidential candidate the discussion was said to be aimed at selecting the SLPP presidential candidate.

However, Mahinda Rajapaksa had also been present for the meeting at G.L. Pieris’s home.