A large number of key UNP figures are currently exploring the possibility of forming a new party if Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe continues in the party leadership.

Although Wickremesinghe has come under pressure to step down from his party leadership after the defeat at the Presidential election, he has indicated his willingness to continue in the same position.

This has prompted the group supporting Premadasa to explore different avenues.

A senior spokesman of the UNP said the large majority of UNP activists and supporters would leave the party, if Wickremesinghe continued in party leadership.

It is now learnt that even the closest allies of Wickremesinghe are now disillusioned with his leadership.