The United National Party (UNP) has requested the Elections Commissioner not to accept the new party, led by Sajith Premadasa, as it would harm the identity of the UNP.

UNP legal chief Nissanka Nanayakkara has informed the Elections Commission that the abbreviations of the English name of the new alliance 'United National Power" (samagi jathika balawegaya) will harm the UNP's identity.

Sajith Premadasa is the leader of the alliance while Ranjitha Madduma Bandara has been appointed as its General Secretary.

However, the Elections Commission has already approved the alliance and its symbol 'heart' Sources close to the alliance said the new alliance would use the abbreviations of its Sinhala name (SJB) for propaganda activities.