Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, speaking to The Hindu newspaper in India said that he would move a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe next week, and he claimed that he had the support of some legislators in the United National Party.

Former President has further said that he was close to bringing the government down.

Asked if he is open to working with President Sirisena, Rajapaksa has said that if he wants to nominate an SLFP member as Prime Minister they will support the President.

Meanwhile, the Joint Opposition said that signatures are currently being obtained for the no-confidence motion against the premier.

The no-confidence motion includes 14 charges out of which 12 relate to the Central Bank bond scam.