Speculation is rife about an ongoing rift between President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on the future of the government.

This surfaced with a letter written by the President inviting all political parties for a discussion on forming an all-party interim government. Many parties, including the Mahanayakes of the all three chapters have requested the President to form an all-party interim government to find solutions to the current crisis.

The President has also summoned all ruling party MPs for a discussion on the same,

However, this letter contradicted Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa's position on forming an interim government.

Addressing a group of Local Government Councillors yesterday, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said he would not step down from office.

The Prime Minister added that any new government would be formed under his premiership.