The group include Patali Champika Ranawaka, Rajitha Senaratne, Arjuna Ranatunga, M.K.D.S. Gunawardena and several other ex-MPs of the UPFA. Some of them, according to highly placed political sources, will coalesce the UNP as the 'Yahapalana Jathika Peramuna", led by Ranawaka, while others will join the UNP, after taking its membership.

They will contest the Parliamentary election from the UNP under its symbol 'elephant'.

Political sources said some ex-MPs involved in the group have already signed nomination papers to contest from the UNP.They will have to withdraw their signatures from the nomination papers before joining the UNP-led front.

They have made the move in protest of the UPFA's decision to give nomination to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to contest the Parliamentary election.