May 17, Colombo: The vacant parliament seat of the main opposition United National Party due to the death of MP Alick Aluvihare is to go for Nandimithra Ekanayaka of the ruling party.

Although Nandimithra Ekanayaka is now representing the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance he was the next highest preferential votes taker for the United National Party from Matale District in the last general election.

In 2004, Eakanayaka contested for the general election from UNP representing Matale district.

He crossed over to the government side before the Central Provincial Council election and contested from the ruling party for CPC polls in last February.

However, the main opposition United National Party has not made any statement yet over the vacant parliament membership of their list.

If Nadimithra Ekanayaka is selected for the vacant MP post, UNP will lose another seat in the parliament.