Sri Lanka's grand opposition coalition splits after failed presidential campaign

Colombo: Sri Lanka's grand opposition coalition has split just weeks after its defeated presidential candidate and former army chief was detained on allegations of sedition.

Opposition official Vijitha Herath says that the coalition broke up after its main partner United National Party decided to go it alone in the April 8 parliamentary poll.

The split is likely to further weaken the opposition prospects to stall President Mahinda Rajapaksa's bid to control Parliament after his resounding presidential re-election last month.

Herath says other opposition parties plan to form a new front with Gen. Sarath Fonseka to face the election.