Oct 16, Colombo: Rebel members of Sri Lanka main opposition United National Party (UNP) have confirmed that they will participate in a joint opposition rally in defiance of the ban imposed by the party.

The rally, to be held on October 18 at Hyde Park under the leadership of the former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka, is organized by the National Bhikku Front to call for abolishing the executive presidency.

Pro-reform party members including Provincial Councilors Maithri Gunaratne, Western Provincial Councilor Shiral Lakthilaka and Sirikamal Silva met Tuesday at the office of Shiral Lakthilaka's office to discuss the participation in Thursday's anti-government rally.

Several UNP parliamentarians including Karu Jayasuriya, Ashok Abeysinghe, Palitha Range Bandara, Palitha Thewarapperuma, Wasantha Aluvihare and Harin Fernando have already indicated their participation.

However the pro-reformist deputy party leader of UNP Sajith Premadasa has not yet indicated his stance on participation in the rally.