A section of UNP backbenchers is likely to boycott the party May Day rally on Monday, sources close to the party said. 

It is learnt that they have decided to skip the May Day rally in protest  of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's inaction over internal reforms of the party. 

UNP MP Hirunika Prenachandra said nearly 20 MPs of the party have decided to boycott events attended by the party leader over the dispute on party reforms. 

Meanwhile, State Minister Wasantha Aluvihare said he would not attend the party May Day rally as he was not given a Cabinet portfolio at the recent reshuffle. 

He said the people of Matale expected a Cabinet portfolio for the district at the reshuffle.