President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has asked the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) to abandon its decision to leave the government and remain with the government.

He made this request during a discussion with the leaders of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party yesterday afternoon.

 The President has also decided not to accept the resignation of Ranjith Siyambalapitiya who has resigned from the post of Deputy Speaker.

However, speaking after the meeting, the President of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, former President Maithripala Sirisena stated that the decision to withdraw support to the government was just as effective.