Telecommunications and IT Minister Ranjith Siyambalapiyiya denied crossover claims circulating in various quarters adding that he has no intention of leaving the government.

Speaking at the SLFP press briefing at its head quarters in Colombo, Siyambalapitiya said that perhaps the opposition created such rumors to attract more people to their rally in Kandy.

Common candidate of the opposition Maithripala Sirisena participated in his first rally after handing over nominations on December 9 at Kandy. It was widely reported that up to 4 government leaders will be crossing over and Siyambalapitiya’s name was widely circulated.

However Siyambalapitiya added in the press briefing that rumors were being created in an unprecedented manner. “Earlier it was said that a smoke does not arise without a fire. But nowadays, smoke bombs are created from nothing by these rumormongers,” he added.