Former Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa is actively engaging in the organization of the new party to be formed by the 'Joint Opposition', the vernacular newspaper 'Ada' reported today.

The former Minister told the newspaper that he has no intention of becoming the leader of the party. The new party will have the blessings of the Rajapaksa family, he added.

Speculations are rising on the possible leadership of the party, with former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa's name also suggested by political sources. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, however, denied that he will be the leader of the new party.

The party is expected to be formed by the pro-Rajapaksa camp in the United People's Freedom Alliance. Some SLFP MPs are also expected to join the party. Meanwhile, many local level SLFP politicians have expressed their willingness to join a new party to be formed by the pro-Rajapaksa camp of the UPFA.