The 'Joint Opposition' has decided to delay the launching of the new party till early next year, political sources said.

The 'Joint Opposition' has done most of the organizational work for the new movement and had taken steps to prepare a party constitution as well. However, the leaders of the JO have now decided to wait till December and observe the moves taken by President Maithripala Sirisena.

Both sides of the SLFP seem to be reluctant to see the party divide. Several prominent SLFP leaders backing President Sirisena publicly stated this fact in the recent weeks.

There is a sizable minority within the JO which opposes the launching of a new party.

It is also said that the leadership of the new party will be taken by Gotabaya Rajapaksa or Dinesh Gunawardena. Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is unlikely to officially take the leadership, sources said.