In Sri Lanka, hectic parleys are on for formation of a new government despite a section of government claiming yesterday that unity government will continue. President Maithripala Sirisena today met leaders of the Joint opposition alliance, led by former President Mahinda Rajapakse. <br/><br/>The joint opposition, who demanded snap polls after his side victory at the local polls, said after the meeting that they will back an SLFP-led government but will not take ministerial portfolios. A faction of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) is trying to form a government on its own with support of Joint opposition MPs. <br/><br/>They are also claiming support of some MPs of United National Party (UNP) led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Mr Sirisena earlier cancelled a media conference scheduled this morning because of the fluid situation. <br/><br/>UNP had earlier agreed for the continuation of the unity government but SLFP members are not agreed to the proposal. There is also dissension within UNP against Prime minister after the party defeat at local body elections held last Saturday.

In Sri Lanka, hectic parleys are on for formation of a new government despite a section of government claiming yesterday that unity government will continue. President Maithripala Sirisena today met leaders of the Joint opposition alliance, led by former President Mahinda Rajapakse. <br/><br/>The joint opposition, who demanded snap polls after his side victory at the local polls, said after the meeting that they will back an SLFP-led government but will not take ministerial portfolios. A faction of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) is trying to form a government on its own with support of Joint opposition MPs. <br/><br/>They are also claiming support of some MPs of United National Party (UNP) led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Mr Sirisena earlier cancelled a media conference scheduled this morning because of the fluid situation. <br/><br/>UNP had earlier agreed for the continuation of the unity government but SLFP members are not agreed to the proposal. There is also dissension within UNP against Prime minister after the party defeat at local body elections held last Saturday.