The UNP will lead a new coalition with the JHU to take on the UPFA in the forthcoming general election on August 17.
The United Front for Good Governance will include several prominent politicians with the SLFP and the JHU and will contest under the elephant symbol of the UNP.
UPFA heavyweights Rajitha Senaratne, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Arjuna Ranatunga, S.B. Dissanayake, M.K.D.S Gunawardena, Piyasena Gamage, Sarath Amunugama, Reginald Cooray, Sudharshini Fernandopulle, Neomal Perera, Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera and Hirunika Premachandra are expected to join the coalition, in protest at the SLFP's decision to nominate former president Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Meanwhile unconfirmed reports suggest that former army chief and suspected war criminal Sarath Fonseka will run against Mr Rajapaksa in Kurunegala on a UNP ticket.