A group of UNP MP is of the view that Karu Jayasuriya should be their candidate, as he won public approval for his contributions to safeguard parliament and democracy during the recent political conspiracies.

Jayasuriya should contest with an reformation agenda including the abolition of the executive presidency, they say.

A faction led by Ravi Karunanayake too, is supporting Jayasuriya’s candidature.

At the same time, MPs and top officials loyal to prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe want him to be the candidate.

They note that PM Wickremesinghe will be an easy winner, if president Sirisena becomes his rival at the polls.