Leaders of the United National Party (UNP) and the main opposition Samagi Janabalawegaya (SJB) have begun discussions on contesting together in upcoming elections, sources close to the government said.
When the idea was coming up from both parties Sajith Premadasa did not give his green light and insisted that should not reunite with his former party UNP. However, at the last moment, he has given his approval to certain leaders to get involved in this sources further said.
It is reported that he had to permit negotiations due to the strong position of the party’s top leaders.
According to the sources, these discussions have started with the aim of Ranil Wickramasinghe being appointed as the President and Sajith Premadasa as the Prime Minister in an upcoming election.
However, the two party leaders have not met and held discussions so far.
The sources further said that representatives from both sides have already started negotiations. Political sources say that at the end of these talks, Sajith and Ranil will join or the party will split.