The UNP said on Tuesday that Buddhists will vote for the party, contrary to claims by the Mahinda Rajapaksa faction of the SLFP.
Speaking to media, Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said the SLFP faction was campaigning around the country, saying they will win the popular Buddhist vote.
"Their thinking is wholly based on misconceptions; a sizeable number of Buddhists support us as well," he noted, predicting that the UNP would secure around 125 seats at the Parliamentary Polls, according to The Island.
The minister said the UNP was a national party and would stick to its founding principles, with Buddhist voters the largest number amongst all the communities which support the party.