Minister Ravi Karunanayake said they would only take a break once Sajith Premadasa becomes the President and Ranil Wickremesinghe becomes the Prime Minister.

Addressing an election meeting in Colombo 14 yesterday, Karunanayake said the coalition government with the SLFP was a "messy" arrangement.

"As a result, we could not give benefits to the public the way we wanted. This time we will not have a coalition government. After the Presidential election, the UNP will form a government on its own and proceed with our relief packages," he added.

"Gotabhaya Rajapaksa talks about reducing VAT and other taxes. His government could not give a Rs. 2500 salary hike to government servants. They could not resolve salary issues of the Army and the Police. What is the guarantee that the SLPP is able to deliver on his promises now?" the Minister asked.