Twelve Muslim MPs representing the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) and All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) have let for Mecca on a pilgrimage. 

Sources said the MPs would return to the country on November 12 or 13,  just before the floor vote in Parliament which will determine the government's strength in the House. 

Before they left for Mecca, all Muslim MPs representing the two parties pledged their support to UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. 

"As the Muslim MPs are now away on a pilgrimage, various parties with vested interests will not be able to influence or manipulate them," an informed UNF source told Asian Mirror.