Denying allegations that former UNP General Secretary switched allegiance as part of a million dollar deal, Leader of the House Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said Attanayake crossed over to the opposition like a gentleman, unlike Maithriapala Sirisena.

“Attanayake tendered his letter of resignation to the party before leaving and informed the party leadership of his decision. So, he joined the government in a respectable manner. Maithripala Sirisena attended the Central Committee meeting and endorsed the candidature of President Rajapaksa and took part in every meeting at the initial stage. Then he left the party suddenly - without informing anyone,” the Minister said addressing a press conference in Colombo today (09).

He added that Attanayake made the decision to cross over to the government according to his conscience. The also reiterated that President Rajapaksa would win the forthcoming presidential election with a resounding majority of votes.

Former UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake also attended the press conference and explained the reasons which led to his resignation from the position of General Secretary of the party. His explanation was more or less a repetition of his lengthy resignation letter which was sent to the UNP National Leader yesterday.

Attanayake said although he was the General Secretary of the party he never saw the agreements the United National Party signed with other stakeholders of the common opposition. He also asserted that Maithripala Sirisena would not be able to secure victory at the presidential election as the supporters of the United National Party would not vote for him.

He also added that the Common Opposition – an amalgamation of a large number of political parties, groups and individuals – has become an utter failure. He stated that supporters of the UNP are dissatisfied over the present developments and the manner in which the party formed a coalition.

The press conference was also attended by several Cabinet Ministers of the government.