Several government MPs have requested former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to enter Parliament soon as the national list MP of the UNP.

The discusison had taken place when Wickremesinghe attended a religious ceremony at the Gangaramaya temple. President Gotabhaya Raajapaksa, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and a number of Parliamentarians attended the event.

The government MPs have told Wickremesinghe that the latter must re-enter Parliament as the UNP's representative and the strengthen the party.

Wickremesinghe has reportedly responded to them claiming that he prefers to give the opportunity to a younger person.

"People wanted me to stay at home. I must listen to them and stay at home. But, there are multiple requests from many parties. We haven't decided how to proceed on this matter thus far. Let's wait and see," Wickremesinghe has said.

The UNP is sharply divided over who its national list nominee should be as several ex-MPs of the party have expressed willingness to take up the post.