The UNP group supporting Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa are set to contest the Parliamentary election under a new alliance if Sajith Premadasa is not appointed the leader of the party before the election.

MP Ranjith Maduma Bandara has told a local newspaper that a number of MPs representing the party are supporting the move.

The large majority of UNF party leaders are also expected to support the new alliance.

Several rounds of discussions have already taken place in this regard with the participation of UNP MPs supporting Premadasa.

Former Prime Minister and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremasinghe remain silent on whether or not Premadasa will be made the party leader before the upcoming election.