It is reported that a special operation is underway to increase the number of people who support the United National Party in the current Parliament. Accordingly, it is reported that the 5 MPs Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, John Seneviratne, Sudarshanee Fernandopulle, Chandima Weerakkodi and Priyankara Jayaratne, who were independent from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, have been decided not to join the government.
Instead, it is reported that an operation to connect them to the United National Party is currently underway. Political sources say that a group led by Member of Parliament Nimal Lanza is leading this operation with the knowledge of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Those sources say that Anura Yapa has directly stated that he wants a cabinet ministership if he joins the UNP, and the others have asked for a few weeks for the final decision. It is reported that Jayaratne Herath, who was independent from Sri LNP, has also been asked to join the UNP, but he has already joined the SJP, so the request has been rejected.