SLFP, SLPP talks end on a positive note

By Lahiru Pothmulla   
The talks between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) ended on a positive note yesterday with both parties agreeing in principle to form a broad alliance to contest against the United National Party (UNP).

Both parties also agreed to hold a second round of talks on March 21.   
Speaking to the media after the conclusion of discussions at the Opposition Leader’s Office in Colombo, SLPP Chairman Professor G.L. Peiris said the talks were very cordial and went off well.   “The main objective was to create a strong opposition to the UNP. We had in-depth discussions to achieve this goal and came up with an agenda. Step by step we will achieve this. Among the other topics discussed were economic polices, foreign policy, education and agriculture,” he said.   
Expressing similar sentiments, SLFP General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said the talks were very successful and it was a good beginning.   

“Both parties are ready to work together in the future to form a broad alliance against the UNP. I’m hopeful we can achieve this. We are hoping to meet on March 21 and discuss more issues. We have already exchanged views on policy matters as well,” he said.   

He said both the SLFP and the SLPP were strengthening their parties and a formation of an alliance would take place afterwards.   

“The discussions were not about forming an alliance to contest elections. We will get to that in due time. At the moment we need to build an alliance to compete against the UNP and its neo-liberal polices. Then we will see how it is possible to contest elections together,” he said.