“I am able to play a great role to revive the nation if I am given a portfolio such as the health ministry,” he told the media, responding to a question as to whether he would accept a ministerial portfolio if one is offered to him.

“All governments in the past appointed new ministers from time to time in order to ensure the nation has a powerful government,” he said.

Asked about the holding of local government elections, he said people should be fed first before holding elections. “ Are we going to starve the people?” he questioned.

There were reports that a group of SJB MPs have had discussions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and would join the government if IMF assistance is finalized but sources close to the President told Daily Mirror that crossovers would take some more time.(Yohan Perera)