Co-Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said that the government wants to attract MPs from the 'Joint Opposition' camp to weaken it so that the 'good governance' programme could go forward with no hindrance.

Speaking at the Cabinet press briefing yesterday, he said that the government does not fear the 'Joint Opposition' but wants to weaken it even further.

It is a natural tendency in politics to try and weaken your opponent, he added.

He did not reveal as to how many 'Joint Opposition' MPs will leave the government.

However, he agreed that they will be granted various perks by the government and it will be an added burden on the people. "However, we will give them these perks only after they come," he said.