The majority of United National Front party leaders have expressed willingness to support Speaker karu Jayasuriya as their Presidential candidate, Asian Mirror reliably learns.

A source familiar with the matter said Jayasuriya had also received multiple requests from civil society organizations and other groups supporting the UNP.

UNF party leaders are expected to meet soon to make a decision on the party's presidential candidate.

At a discussion on Tuesday, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had informed Minister Sajith Premadasa that the latter should secure the support of constituent parties of the United National Front. However, there are multiple indications to believe that UNF party leaders prefer Jayasuriya over Premadasa.

Both Wickremesinghe and Premadasa will attend the UNF party leaders meeting.