Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa will give political leadership to the parties and groups with him, but will not accept the post of opposition leader in parliament and function as an ordinary MP, it is learnt.

It is learnt that his closed confidants had advised him not to accept such a post in parliament.

Meanwhile, the United National Party (UNP) has decided to reappoint its parliamenarian Lakshman Kiriella as the Leader of the House and parliamentarian Gayantha Karunatilake as Chief Government Whip. (Kelum Bandara)