SLFP-SLPP discussions to conclude next week

Discussions between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to form a new political alliance will come to an end next week, sources said.

Both factions have paid their attention to conclude the discussions by next week since the presidential election is scheduled to be announced by the end of this month.

It was reported that eight rounds of talks had been held between the two parties so far and both factions have agreed upon 25 points based on principles.

However, it is said that no final agreement had been reached since the SLFP is not in favour of the lotus bud of the SLPP as the symbol of the new alliance and SLPP’s unwillingness to forgo its symbol.

However, it was reported that several senior SLFP members would join the SLPP in the coming weeks if no agreement could be reached between the two parties. Discussions have been initiated in this regard.  (Nalaka Sanjeewa Dahanayake)