Colombo:Several members of the opposition Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) have decided to contest the parliamentary elections next month under ruling United National Party (UNP), an SLFP member said on Saturday.

SLFP member M.K.D.S. Gunawardena said so far at least 13 party members have informed President Maithripala Sirisena, the SLFP chairman, that they would be contesting the August 17 elections under the UNP\'s elephant symbol, Xinhua reported.

Among the SLFP members contesting with the UNP are SLFP members and ministers Rajitha Senaratne and Arjuna Ranatunga.

Sri Lankan opposition members join ruling party for polls