The SLFP would not discontinue ongoing talks with the SLPP, aimed at forming an alliance to powerfully confront the UNP at the presidential poll, even after the SLPP nominated its candidate on Sunday, UPFA General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera said.

But the SLFP has no intention to participate in the SLPP convention, he added.

“If the SLFP is to come to an agreement with the SLPP to create this alliance, we need to know its policies if and when the candidate of the alliance emerged victorious at the polls. The next round of talks between the two parties would focus on this issue. Otherwise, the SLFP does not want to do anything to harm the identity, trust and loyalty of our party supporters,” Mr. Amaraweera said.

He said any political party has the right to nominate its presidential candidate and as such nominating the SLPP’s candidate by Opposition and Party Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa would not hamper the talks.

“Our final objective is to field a candidate mutually agreed upon by the two main parties of the proposed alliance. However, to ensure his victory, all progressive and left-aligned forces must come to an agreement to form this alliance against the UNP. We don’t join the alliance with empty hands,” he stressed.

The SLFP’s annual convention will be held on September 3rd at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium with new vigour.

Mr. Amaraweera said it is not likely that another round of talks would take place between President Sirisena and Mr. Rajapaksa before the 11th, adding that the talks between the two leaders on Monday mainly focused on the possibility of forming the alliance led by the SLFP and SLPP. (Sandun A. Jayasekera)