The Sri Lanka Podu Peramuna (SLPP) is likely to decide to sit in the opposition without subscribing to an interim government.

SLPP members have started placing their signatures on a document that calls all the SLPP members in Parliament to sit on the opposition benches.

The move is squarely contrary to the President’s idea of setting up an all-party interim government under a new Prime Minister.

According to political sources, the President’s request for the Prime Minister to step down was responded to with a call to sit on the opposition benches. Accordingly, the SLPP will shortly inform the President of their stance and whether they would sit on the opposition, paving the way for a suitable person to form the government.

Former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa is likely to convey the decision of the SLPP shortly.

Meanwhile, a letter specifying strict disciplinary action against those who defy the party whip is now circulating among the SLPP Parliamentarians and other officials.