Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said that now that Udith Lokuba-ndara had switched allegiance to the ruling coalition, Speaker W. J. M. Lokibandara, too, would follow shortly.

Addressing an UPFA propaganda rally at Halatutenna in the Haputale electorate last Thursday, the Badulla District SLFP leader said that lokubandara mahattayath heta anithda venakota ape sakkuwe. (Mr. Lokubandara will be in our pocket shortly) (SF)