"We have just secured the support of 113 MPs in Parliament," a Cabinet minister representing the UPFA told Asian Mirror, a short while ago. 

He said both the SLFP and the UPFA have arrived at an agreement to form a government together. 

However, the UPFA and the SLFP have only 96 seats in the House. Any party forming a majority government in Parliament requires the support of at least 113 MPs. 

When asked about the rest of the 17 MPs, the Minister said, "Everything will be revealed shortly." However, what remains unclear is whether the UPFA's claim of a Parliamentary majority is a tactic to distract the UNP. 

It is also known that a group of Joint Opposition are expected to hold a discussion with President Maithripala Sirisena soon.