UNP Minister Vajira Abeywardena, addressing a press briefing today, did not rule out the possibility of forming a national government with the SLFP to expand the ministries. 

"We have to make a final decision on the matter. If we form a national government, we can increase the number of ministries," Abeywardena said. 

The Minister said the matter would be discussed within the party in the coming days. 

He also stated that there were multiple requests from the SLFP members to join the Cabinet. 

However, the UNP parliamentarians, at a group meeting earlier this week, vehemently criticized the SLFP's attempt to join a national government. 

The MP group maintained that no such request should be accommodated as the SLFP was instrumental in the downfall of the national unity government.