Former Minister S.B. Dissanayake is likely to be appointed the leader of the SLFP "16 group" in Parliament.

The '16 group', which consists of 16 MPs sat in the opposition having left the unity government following the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The members of the group were forced to quit their government positions as they voted against the Prime Minister at the vote on the motion. 

However, party leaders last week decided to recognize the 16 group as an independent entity in Parliament give them representation at the party leaders meeting. 

Dissanayake is likely to attend the next party leaders meeting representing the 16 group. 

The group, however, continues to work within the SLFP, led by President Maithripala Sirisena.