UPFA General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera said the coalition would allow its MPs to become independent in Parliament. 

Speaking to media, Amaraweera, a supporter of President Sirisena, said the UPFA would not stand in the way of such a decision. 

"However , each MP should give a letter to the UPFA, clearly expressing their wilingness to act independen," he added. 

Legal advisors have informed the Joint Opposition that they could demand the Opposition Leader's post if they became independent in Parliament.