The Tamil National Alliance has informed the UNP unofficially that they would not join the election campaign of the common candidate; but would work together on common fronts to fight for a fair election and democracy.

Speaking to Asian Mirror, a UNP Parliamentarian said that although the TNA would not support the common candidate explicitly, the majority of Tamil votes will come in favour of the opposition. "With or without the TNA's support, we know that the right-thinking Tamils will vote for the common candidate," he added.

During the last presidential election, common candidate of the opposition Sarath Fonseka secured victory at predominantly Tamil areas in the North, with the TNA's support. 

Meanwhile, Tamil National Alliance Leader R. Sampanthan had expressed confidence that common opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena would abolish the executive presidency if he won the forthcoming presidential election. The TNA Leader also stated that he was "impressed" with the press conference held by Maithripala Sirisena at New Town Hall last week.

Speaking to Asian Mirror, TNA Parliamentarian and Media Spokesman Suresh Premachandran said the party was not in a hurry to make a decision. "We will take our time and make a sensible decision. The election has just been announced and still there is a long way to go," Premachandran said.