President Maithripala Sirisena has held a discussion with former President and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa last night.

The discussion comes against a backdrop where the SLFP and the SLPP are seeking the possibility of striking a deal to form a common alliance for the next Presidential election.

Commenting on the matter, SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekera said certain matters relating to the formation of the alliance should be discussed by the two leaders.

"We discussed many matters at our level and arrived at an understanding. But certain issues need to be discussed between the President and the Opposition Leader," Jayasekera added.