Who are the next Presidential candidates?

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Who will be the next Presidential candidates? Several politicians expressed their political parties' stance on the question during events held today. Chief Minister of the Western province, Isuru Devapriya speaking to the media stated that the Opposition Presidential Candidate would be President Maithripala Sirisena. While noting that the UNP faithful was stirred by the incidents that transpired after the 26th of October, the Chief Minister noted that the opposition should unite. He noted that if this does not happen, it would benefit the UNP and Western Forces ad the UNP is acting to the tune of the Diaspora and Western Nations. When questioned whether this decision would be endorsed by the Mahinda Rajapaksa faction, Devapriya gave the following response. ".. The President paid heed to the majority of people in the Country and appointed Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister. If our President is capable of making such a sacrifice, then I don't think that the Mahinda Rajapaksa faction would have to think twice about taking such a decision that would benefit the country.." Minister of Highways, Road Development & Petroleum Resources Development, Kabir Hashim states that the UNP will reveal it's Presidential candidate in due time. He noted that the UNP has no need to rush adding that they are prepared for any election. He explained that they are ready to do what the people want. Meanwhile also commenting on the matter, UPFA MP Rohitha Abeygunawardene, Sajith Premadasa is preparing to face a presidential election but noted that it is pointless as PM Ranil Wickremesinghe has already made his preparations. He added that in addition Patali Champika Ranawaka and Karu Jayasuriya are also preparing themselves to step forward as candidates for the upcoming election.