A senior Cabinet minister confirmed the crossover of eight opposition MPs to the government in the coming days. 

Speaking to Asian Mirror, the Minister said the names of the eight MPs could not be revealed to the media at this juncture. 

According to the minister, several rounds of discussions have already been held with regard to the imminent crossover. 

"Seniors from the UNP as well as the SLFP took part in the discussions," he added, saying both the President and the Prime Minister were aware of the matter.

"Quite obviously," he said, "the government will have to offer them ministerial and deputy ministerial portfolios." 

With this new development, the number of Cabinet ministers is likely to shoot up, again. The new government, as it came to power, pledged to limit the number of Cabinet ministers and facilities given to them.