Chief Government Whip Highways Minister Johnston Fernando yesterday declined to reveal the names of Opposition MPs who were planning to support the government, but confirmed that there would be a change in party compositions in Parliament.

Responding to journalists’ queries during a ceremony held in Kandy to launch development of the road stretch from Kandy-Heerassagala junction to Kandy Railway Station into a four-lane road, the minister said: “I do not want to give away names. Some Opposition MPs have contacted us and expressed their willingness to join the govt.”

Asked to give an exact number of Opposition MPs talking with the government to switch their allegiance, the minister said: “I would not mention the figures. Sajith Premadasa is trying to save his position as the Leader of the Opposition. Anura Kumara Dissanayake is trying to save his party leadership. We are not going to reveal our strategies. You will see the numbers when the time comes. With what they tell us in the parliament lobby, we know their frustration. They are convinced that the incumbent Opposition could never defeat the government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.”

Asked to comment on the government’s talks with minor and minority party leaders, the minister said that many such leaders were already working with the government while sitting in the Opposition. “We have an understanding with many such parties. Some have initiated discussions to join the government. They are convinced that they do not have a political future with Sajith Premadasa as the opposition leader. During the past few months, the SJB’s vote bank has been shrinking.

Asked whether the opposition MPs would cross over during the budget debate, the minister said that he would not tell the exact time. “If we give the time, the Opposition will prepare a plan to disrupt that. All of you have to wait and see. The procession will come,” Minister Fernando said.

A 2.1 km road stretch from the Kandy-Heerassagala junction to Kandy Railway Station would be upgraded as a four-lane road at a cost of Rs 1,290.5 million. Among those present on the occasion were State Minister of Gem and Jewellery Related Industries, Lohan Ratwatte and State Minister of State Ministry of Vehicle Regulation, Bus Transport Services and Train Compartments and Motor Car Industry, Dilum Amunugama and Highways Ministry officials including its Secretary R.W.R. Pemasiri. (SI)