A group of 26 UPFA Provincial Councilors have decided to remain independent in the event of a formation of a UNP-SLFP coalition government in the Southern Province.

They have held a meeting last night at UPFA councilor Aruna Gunaratne's home and decided on the matter.

The meeting was attended by 24 councilors including Provincial Minister Weerasumana Weerasinghe.

The pro-Rajapaksa faction holds two ministerial positions and Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Chief Government Whip and Leader of the House positions.

The pro-Rajapaksa faction has threatened to remain independent if any of these positions are changed.

This is not a matter of positions, but only a matter of principle, the group of councilors have maintained.

The decision by the councilors comes after President Maithripala Sirisena recently said that there will be changes in the positions of the provincial councils held by the UPFA.