The Presidential Media Division refuted reports of a meeting between President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The meeting reportedly took place at the Speaker's official residence.

However, PMD said in a statement that the media reports were not true.

Despite the denial, soures told Asian Mirror that the meeting did take place. Furthermore, during the reported one-to-one meeting, Sirisena requested Rajapaksa not to contest the the forthcoming general election.