SJB MP Kumara Welgama said the decision to field Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa as a presidential candidate is an internal decision of the SJB and its affiliated parties may have dfferent views over the matter.

In an interview with Asian Mirror, Welgama said he represented an affiliated party of the SJB and it was still too early to name the presidential candidate.

"There is still a long way to go. Anyone can emerge as a presidential candidate. Since the current government has permitted dual citiens to run for the presidency, even a Chinese national can become a candndiate at the next election," he added.

Welgama said the necessity to field a common candidate at the next presidential election would be determined by the political realities.

The MP lead the "New Sri Lanka Freedom Party", a breakaway group of the SLFP supported by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.

He has also announced plans to form a new political movement under the name "Api Sri Lanka" with the support of a number of parties and organsations.