The SLFP 16 group said the party's General Secretary Prof. Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa did not even have party membership. 

Addressing a press conference in Colombo yesterday, former State Minister Dilan Perera challenged ths SLFP General Secretary to take disciplinary action against the 16 group members who took part in the rally. 

Piyadasa previously said those who took part in the Jana Balaya protest organized by the Joint Opposition would be severely dealt with. 

Piyadasa was initially appointed for 45 days as an interim Gener Secretary to carry out party reforms . Although 45 days have elapsed now, Piyadasa continues to occupy his position and the party has still not talked about appointing a permanent General Secretary. 

At the press conference, Perera indicated that the General Secretary could not do anything to the party members who took part in the Jana Balaya protest. 

He said all members of the 16 group, except former Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera, took part in the Jana Balaya protest. 

Peters said Jayasekera was no longer a member of the '16 Group', so their group only consisted of 15 MPs. 

"Therefore, it's technically incorrect to identify us as the 16 group," he added.