A discussion between President Maithripala Sirisena and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa will take place this week, UPFA MP Dullas Alahapperuma said.

He added the discussion would be a part of the ongoing negotiations between the SLPP and the SLFP.

The aim of the discussion, he said, is to arrive at an understanding on forming a common alliance for the next Presidential election.

The discussions between the SLFP and the SLPP came to the brink of collapse when the SLPP nominated former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa as the party's presidential election.

Deeply embarrassed by the move, the SLFP said they would continue discussions with the SLPP to work out an understanding before the election.