SLFP Senior Vice Chairman Nimal Siripala De Silva is expected to join the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Addressing the SLFP National Convention recently, de Silva said the only way forward for the SLFP was to form an alliance with the SLPP, which he described as a friendly political force.

However, plans to form an alliance between the SLFP and the SLPP have faltered due to President Maithripala Siriena's vehement opposition to support the SLPP party symbol (flower bud). The President is of the view that the alliance should be formed under a common symbol.

Due to the current stalemate, de Silva has decided to switch allegiance during the nomination period of the Presidential election, informed sources said.

In addition to de Silva, MP Mohan Lal Greru is also in talks with the SLPP to join the party. Greru was previously expected to join the UNP.

Meanwhile, SLFP MP Mahinda Samarasinghe is also ready to join the UNP, once the internal power struggle within the party over the presidential candidacy ceases.