The UPFA has decided to give the chief ministerial nomination for the Eastern Provincial Council to Shivaneshathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan. The General Secretary of Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal (TMVP) P. Prashanthan confirmed the decision in a media release.

Meanwhile it is reported that a consensus is yet to be reached between the SLMC and the TNA. Despite rumours that the two parties would contest together no official sources have confirmed the move.

The TNA is scheduled to hold a special meeting to decide on the matter today in Trincomalee.