'I tolerate criticism from SLFP MPs in the government; why do you get so upset over remarks made by UNP MPs?" Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had asked  President Maithripala Sirisena, at the office room of the Presidential Secretariat, last morning. 

The discussion had taken place after the President walked out of the Cabinet meeting, after delivering an emotional speech. A visibly hurt President said he was being unfairly attacked by UNP Ministers and MPs, including Harin Fernando, Sujeewa Senasinghe, Chaminda Wijesiri and S.M. Marikkar. 

The Prime Minister had then attempted to console the President, and requested him to chair the Cabinet meeting again, sources privy to the discussions between the two told Asian Mirror.

After about 45 minutes of persuasion, the President had agreed to come back and chair the Cabinet meeting. However, he had been uncharacteristically silent during the rest of the meeting. 

UNP Ministers Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Malik Samarawickrama and SLFP Ministers Duminda Dissanayake, Mahinda Amaraweera and Mahinda Samarasinghe had been present at the President's office room when the discussion took place. 

The Prime Minister had said, in Sinhala, that it was unwise to take the remarks of young and inexperienced politicians "too seriously."