SLFP Senior Vice Chairman and former Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said President Maithripala Sirisena was the only candidate who could pose a serious threat to the UNP's candidate at the next Presidential election. 

Addressing a press conference in Colombo, de Silva said all political parties working with the SLFP, including the SLPP led by the Rajapaksa group, would support the presidential candidate. 

De Silva also added that Rajapaksa had raised no objections to the Presidential candidacy of Maithripala Sirisena. 

The Rajapaksa group, however, has sent mixed signals about Sirisena's candidacy, without expressing clearly whether they would support the current President's attempt at securing a second term. 

When asked about his groups plans for the Presidential election, Rajapaksa told media earlier this week that he would make an announcement about the candidate at the right time.