Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said the opposition's struggle is to take control of 'Sirikotha', the UNP headquarters, and not to take charge of the government.

Addressing an election meeting in Ambalangoda, Rajapaksa said there was no point in channelling so much energy into the 'Sirikotha' operation as the purpose of this election is to determine who governs the country.

"Sajith Premadasa's associates keep saying that they will take over 'Sirikotha'. They don't care about the future of the country.

"If the Prime Minister and President represent two different parties, this country will slide into chaos again. It is very important that the President and the Prime Minister are on the same page about the issues concerning the country," he added.