Two opposition Members of Parliament, from different political parties joined the government today taking the strength of the ruling alliance to 146 in the 225-member Parliament.

Mr Prabha Ganeshan of Democratic People's Front and Mr P Digambaram of the National Workers Front announced their decision to extend support to the government at Temple Trees today (August 5). They spoke to the media in the presence of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and said that they considered it was their duty support the government at this crucial juncture.

“I have the fullest confidence in President Rajapaksa and I am sure that I could serve the Tamil people who elected me at the last general election by cooperating with the government,” Mr Ganeshan said. He added that the United National Party obtained Tamil votes by giving false promises to the people and he had completely lost faith in the UNP.

Mr Digambaram said that he was elected to the Parliament by the estate workers and to safeguard their interests he decided to extend support to the government. “To serve the estate workers it is essential to work in close cooperation with the government,” he said.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa and Western Provincial Council member Renuka Perera were also present.