Former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa yesterday stated that as of now he has no plans to contest in a future Presidential Election.

Speaking to the media at a press conference in Battaramulla, Rajapaksa said that the new movement to be formed by the 'Joint Opposition' has received the support of some politicians who openly criticize it.

The former government of Mahinda Rajapaksa was brought down by the "hoppers theory" and this government will be brought down by "finger millet porridge theory", Rajapaksa quipped, referring to Maithripala Sirisena's defection in 2014, after taking part in a dinner with Mahinda Rajapaksa the night before.

Rajapaksa acknowledged that there were numerous challenges for the Joint Opposition in facing an election.

Meanwhile, he refused to comment on the claims of the formation of a new party, saying that those who made the claim must know the details better.

Several former local councilors had claimed that a new party will be formed to face the next local government election, with Basil Rajapaksa as its chief organizer.