Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had informed party leaders and stalwarts of the Joint Opposition that he had not made any commitment to form a coalition or caretaker government with President Maithripala Sirisena. 

The meeting was held at the private residence of Prof. G.L. Peiris, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Podujana Party. 

At the meeting, the former President had told his supporters "not to panic" due to various media reports on coalition and caretaker governments. 

"We will not leave anyone in the dark about such an important decision, " the former President said, at the meeting. 

Upon the former President's assurance, the Joint Opposition leaders had decided to agree with any decision many by the former president on formation of a coalition government.

The collective decision was an indication that Rajapaksa would continue talks with President Sirisena or his emissaries on the formation of a new government. 

They also said the former President should be the central figure in any new government formed with President Maithripala Sirisena.