In a dramatic turn of events, the SLFP and the UPFA MPs now say they will not leave the government. 

After a discussion with President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat, Minister S.B. Dissanayake said they decided not to quit the unity government. 

"We will not leave the Cabinet. We will work with the government and fight for changes. We will remain in government to strengthen President Maithripala Siriisena," Dissanayake said. 

"We still have power to appoint a new Prime Minister. But, it's only a secondary option. At this point, there is a greater need for peace and reconciliation," he added. 

"The changes we decided to make would be continued. We will support the President for those changes," Dissanayake said. 

This came nearly 12 hours after party stalwart and Deputy Speaker Thilanga Sumathipala, making a statement to a private TV station, confirmed the party's decided to quit the government and said the President would seek the Supreme Court's opinion on appointing a new Prime Minister.