SLFP agrees to join DNF alliance if talks with SLPP fail

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has agreed to join the proposed Democratic National Front (DNF) alliance should talks with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) fail, political sources said.

SLFP leader President Maithripala Sirisena during a meeting with a group of United National Party (UNP) seniors yesterday (Oct 1) had agreed to join the UNP-led DNF alliance if the SLFP Central Committee, in its meeting on October 5, decides against joining the SLPP to form an alliance.

The SLFP has been urging the SLPP to agree on a common symbol - a demand which has failed to draw a positive response from their counterparts.

A final decision in this regard would be taken on October 5.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sirisena had said that another round of talks would take place with the UNP on October 6 if the SLFP decides against forming an alliance with the SLPP, sources said.

UNP seniors Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Sajith Premadasa, and Kabir Hashim had attended the meeting.

(Reporting by Damith Wickramasekara)