They have cited a loss of privileges entitled to by opposition MPs for their move, an MP of the joint opposition said.

Those privileges include proper representation at parliamentary committees and time allotted to address the House, he said.

When this group of MPs held talks recently with ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa to start a new party, they noted that for the present, it would be better to remain independent in parliament, rather than starting a new party.

Noting that they could even seek the right for the position of the opposition leader, they agreed on Dinesh Gunawardena for the position.

Ideas were also exchanged on building an extensive front with the NFF, MEP, LSSP, CPSL as well as Tissa Attanayake, Udaya Gammanpila and Tiran Alles once a new party is formed later.

Basil Rajapaksa and Dinesh Gunawardena have been tasked with coordinating with the SLFP and other parties respectively.