Speculation is rife that Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa will enter into a political alliance with former President Maithripala Sirisena, informed political sources said.

This development has taken place against the backdrop of rising tensions between the SLPP and the SLFP within the ruling alliance.

Both Premadasa and Sirisena have expressed their admiration for each other in public and this has given strong indications that a political allince between the two is being discussd.

However, Sirisena's possible affiliation with the SJB-led opposition has been greeted with mixed reactions among parliamentary group members of the party.

Some even fear that Sirisena will be offered the premiership in a future SJB government.

Meanwhile, opposition stalwart Sarath Fonseka's supporters have launched a campaign indicating that the former Army Commander will be appointed the Prime Minister under Premadasa's presidency.

This campaign has also sparked concerns among some senior members of the SJB who are of the view that it is "inappropriate" to talk about the premiership at this point.