The large majority of SLFP and UPFA MPs were not in present in Parliament this morning, although it was the first time the legislature was convened after the government's defeat at the Local Government election. 

When contacted by Asian Mirror, an SLFP MP said they were attending an important meeting with the President at the Presidential Secretariat this morning and that was the reason for their absence. 

It was learnt that they were discussing their decision to quit the national government. Although the decision was announced last night by Deputy Speaker Thilanga Sumathipala, the SLFP feared that the decision might result in some crossovers to the UNP.

A considerable number of Joint Opposition MPs were also absent for some reason. Even the request MP Dinesh Gunawardena presented seeking a debate on the current political situation had only 20 signatures. 

The reason for their absence, however, is not known.

As a large number of opposition MPs were not present in the House today, UNP MP Nalin Bandara said the JO did not even have 13 MPs although they talked about securing majority in Parliament with 113 MPs.