Feb 20, Colombo: Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian Palitha Range Bandara says he would form an alternative faction of the UNP and join the broad opposition coalition.

Bandara has explained that this new alternative faction of the UNP would include some party members who have been suspended from the party.

He has said that he would however continue to be a member of the UNP while working independently as part of the new alternative UNP.

He has added that former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka is also expected to extend support to the new party and join the coalition.

According to Bandara, the party symbol and leader will be announced shortly.

He has observed that the main goal of the party is to campaign against the government.