These MPs from Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kurunegala, Puttlam, Kegalle, Moneragala, Galle and Matara districts are secretly holding talks with UNP chairman Malik Samarawickrama, said the sources.

Among them are several SLFP seniors.

When contacted, Mr. Ssamarawickrama however, denied having had any secret discussions with SLFP MPs.

Bogollagama to contest from UNP

Meanwhile, Rohitha Bogollagama, a foreign minister in the former Rajapaksa regime, is due to contest from Kurunegala on the UNP ticket.