Nov 10, Colombo: Working Committee of Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party (UNP) has decided to suspend the membership of 11 members of local government representatives for participating in the rally of former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka held last month.

The party earlier suspended the membership of three parliamentarians and two provincial councilors for attending the rally. They are to face disciplinary action. One of the three suspended MPs Palitha Thewarapperuma announced that he would quit politics.

The 11 party representatives of the local government bodies have been identified as those who participated in the October 18th rally held in Hyde Park, Colombo organized by the monk wing of the party United Bhikku Front. The rally was held to call the government to abolish the executive presidency.

A UNP spokesman said that the suspended members were informed in writing of the party's decision yesterday. They will have to face disciplinary probes, the spokesman said.