In an interesting turn of events, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said he would not support the proposed no-confidence motion against Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe. 

"We will not support the no-confidence motion," Rajapaksa said, while speaking to a group of journalists, after an event, on Friday. 

"Why would I support it? He is from our village," the former President added. 

"If he is fighting from inside, let him do that."

This came in the wake of allegations that the Justice Minister, who also hails from the Hambanthota district, is working in collaboration with the former first family. 

Commenting on Rajapaksa's statement, a UNP Parliamentary group member said the former President only had the support of 50 Parliamentarians. 

"He can't defeat a no-confidence motion with 50 MPs. Everyone wants Wijeadasa to go," he added.