Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has invited all UNP MPs for a dinner at Temple Trees on August 23.

The move comes amidst the ongoing power struggle within the party over its Presidential candidacy.

The dinner hosted by the Prime Minister coincides with the rally in Matara supporting UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa's Presidential bid.

However, a number of MPs who have expressed support for Premadasa's campaign have also confirmed participation for the Prime Minister's dinner.

When contacted, the MPs said they would rush back to Colombo after Premadasa's rally in Matara to attend the Prime Minister's dinner.