Dec 12 (IL) With all indications pointing to the clinching of the much-hyped Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) alliance, informed saources said that the two parties may sign a Memorandum of Understanding in late January.
Monday's meeting between President Kumaratunga and the JVP hierarchy gave indications of a possible finalization of the alliance after the JVP agreed to a set of crucial amendments put forward by the SLFP, following months of hard bargaining.
JVP Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa however said earlier it was impossible to tell a date as to when the alliance would be sealed. He, however, pointed out that the coming two weeks would be the most crucial as the details for finalisation of the alliance would be decided.
"The two general secretaries of both parties have been given the task of deciding the next date for the meeting," he added.
Seven-month long talks between the two parties collapsed in early September this year, after the two parties were unable to reach a consensus on certain vital issues, sources said. However, talks recommenced officially last month, following President Chandrika Kumaratunga's takeover of the ministries of Defence, Mass Communication and Interior, which has given indications of a possible election early next year.
