Cooray formally announced his resignation on Monday

Luxman Abegunarathna, chief opposition whip of the Western Provincial Council (WPC) told BBC Sandeshaya (BBC Sinhala) that the UNP have enough votes to form a new administration.

He said the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has given a written assurance to the governor that the party would work as an independent group in the WPC.

Chief Minister Reginald Cooray on Monday formally announced his resignation to WPC.

JVP support

He said he was resigning due to current political situation in the country. President Kumaratunga also requested him to resign from the post, Cooray said.

The JVP sat in the opposition as the party withdrew from the governing United Peoples freedom Alliance (UPFA) on Thursday.

The JVP promised not to obstruct the appointment of a chief minister from the UNP, Abeygunaratne said.

Governor Alavi Moulana has called a meeting of party leaders on wednesday after a request by the UNP, he added.

Abegunarathna revealed that the UNP also had discussions with some Peoples Alliance (PA) provincial councillors.

BBC Sandeshaya learns that PA councillors were promised ministerial portfolios if they support the UNP administration.

However, Abegunarathna refused to deny or confirm the allegation.