President Maithripala Sirisena has arrived at an understanding with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to form a national government after the forthcoming Parliamentary election, highly placed political sources told Asian Mirror.

With this agreement, both parties will enter the electoral fray with the aim of forming a national government at least for a period of two years. Therefore, election propaganda will be carried out by both parties with some understanding.

There is a likelihood that political parties such as the JHU and Democratic Party will contest individually and join the national government after the election. The JVP, according to highly placed political sources, will not join the government, but will act as an independent group in the Parliament, influencing the policy making process.

President Maithripala Sirisena has agreed to lead the election campaign of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party on the grounds that the party will join the national government with the United National party after the election. Minister Rajitha Senaratne is likely to be appointed as the National organizer of the party before the next Parliamentary election.

President Maithripala Sirisena, in his television interview with Upul Shantha Sannasgala on Saturday, affirmed that there would be a national government at least for the next two years. He said this would create a new political culture in Sri Lanka and there would not be a hostile approach towards the United National Party.

“I cannot forget the UNP voters who made me the President of Sri Lanka. At the same time, can’t do away with the SLFP voters who now consider me as their leader. So, I have to act very carefully and patiently. This will open an avenue to create a new political culture in Sri Lanka ,” President Sirisena said during the interview.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also stated on Saturday that the next general election will pave the way for a national government, comprising members of both the main political parties, the United National Party and Sri Lanka Freedom Party.

Addressing the UNP’s Kandy district organizers, members and supporters, the Prime Minister said the present Parliament will be dissolved on April 23 as promised in the 100 Days’ Program and a general election be held. -