Oct 14, Colombo: Sources close to Sri Lanka's former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka says that despite the decision of main opposition United National Party (UNP) not to participate in the rally organized by Fonseka, a number of UNP MPs have assured their participation.

Former Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya, Ashok Abeysinghe and Palitha Range Bandara have reportedly assured their participation in the rally.

The sources close to Fonseka said that MPs Dayasiri Jayasekara, Palitha Thewarapperuma and several others are also likely to take part in the rally.

The working committee of the UNP Friday decided not to participate in the rally organized under the leadership of former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka and denied permission for the party members to attend the rally stressing that any form of engagement with those who were against party policies amounted to the violation of the party's disciplinary code.

Democratic People' Front leader Mano Ganesan and United Socialist Party leader Sirithunga Jayasuriya have also assured the participation.

The rally which is introduced as a joint opposition move against the present government's "dictatorship" will be held on October 18th at 3 p.m. in the Hyde Park in Colombo.