A number of opposition parties have initiated a secret discussion aimed at defeating the Budget vote which is to be held in November and to hold an emergency general election.

It is reported that a number of opposition parties, including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), as well as several groups not represented in parliament such as the Frontline Socialis Party and those involved in the 'Aragalaya' movement are involved in these talks.

In the recent past, a number of MPs crossed over to the opposition, and it was predicted that the government is set to lose their parliamentary majority soon.

Meanwhile, a number of opposition parties are to launch a protest campaign against the rising cost of living and the high electricity bills faced by places of religious worship.

Meanwhile, a group of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MPs who are still in the government benches but have lost their privileges, are said to be backing this.

It is also said that if SJB MPs do cross over to the government, there is a similar number of MPs willing to cross over to the opposition.