SLPP – UNP to reach an agreement on LG poll nominations today

Representatives of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and the United National Party (UNP) will meet today with the aim of arriving at a final agreement on nominations for the upcoming Local Government polls. 

Sources said the two parties have decided to contest the polls under the ‘Flower Bud’ (Pohottuwa) symbol of the SLPP for some Local Government institutions while contesting under the ‘Elephant’ symbol belonging to the UNP at others. The two parties have also decided to contest under a common symbol for chosen Local Government institutions, reports said. 

The group will also use the ‘harp’ symbol belonging to the Eelam People’s Democratic Party led by Douglas Devananda in the North while contesting under the ‘boat’ symbol of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal party led by Pillyan in the East.

The parties had come to a consensus on these issues at the meeting held between them on Sunday. The discussion was attended by Basil Rajapaksa, MPs Sagara Kariyawasam, Rohitha Abeygauwnardena, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Johnston Fernando and Sanjeeva Edirimanna for the SLPP while the UNP was represented by Vajira Abeywardana, Sagala Ratnayake, Palitha Range Bandara, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Ravi Karunanayake and Ruwan Wijewardane.  

According to reports, a discussion will also be held with the ministers and MPs who left the Sri Lanka Freedom Party to join the Government and reach an agreement regarding the measures to be taken when contesting Local Government bodies in areas like Badulla.