A crucial SLFP Central Committee meeting will be held this afternoon to discuss on the possible steps against dissident SLFP members, political sources said.

The meeting will be held under the patronage of party Chairman President Maithripala Sirisena.

The party is expected to decide possible steps against several MPs of the 'Joint Opposition' which backs former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The 'Joint Opposition' has made a request to be independent in Parliament. However, SLFP General Secretary Duminda Dissanayake recently said that SLFP members are not allowed to stay independent and such MPs, if they wish to stay independent, should leave the party first.