Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is facing an internal revolt in his party, has informed UNP officials that the final decision on the presidential candidate would be made early next week.
Speaking to Asian Mirror, a senior UNP official expressed confidence that the candidate would be announced by Tuesday.
However, another meeting of UNF party leaders would be held this evening. The meeting which took place last evening ended without a decision.
However, party sources added that any significant decision would not be made at today's party leaders meeting.
The final decision on the party presidential candidate should be made by the Working Committee of the UNP.