Discussions are underway to field UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa as a seperate candidate under a new front, if he fails to secure Presidential candidacy on the UNP ticket, Asian Mirror learns.

Several rounds of discussions have taken place in this regard, with the participation of those strongly supporting Premadasa's candidacy.

They have also discussed the possibility of drawing the support of SLFP group led by President Maithripala Sirisena for this new alliance.

However, the UNP has now postponed the signing of the proposed agreement with several other parties indefinitely. A party spokesman said they would pursue the matter once the internal differences within the party are resolved.

Some constituent parties within the alliance have indicated to the UNP that the party must make a final decision on the Presidential candidate before entering into a broad alliance.