UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardena expressed optimism that the discussions between former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa would bear fruit.

During a meeting with the Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya chapter, Wijewardena said some sections in his party were skeptical of the discussions as a large number of UNP members had aligned themselves with the SJB.

"But we hope therere will be a favourable outcome," Wijewardena, flanked by UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara, said.

However, the SJB has pointed out that the discussions between Wickremesinghe and Premadasa only focussed on the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCOI) report on political victimization. The party has ruled out the possibility of an alliance with the UNP at this point.

"We have decided to take a firm stand against the report. That's why our leader Mr. Premadasa had a discussion with the former Prime Minister. There is nothing more than that," SJB National Organiser Tissa Attanayake said while addressing a press conference in Colombo recently.