A decision was taken to expedite measures to form a proposed broad political alliance, led by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), at a meeting held at the president’s official residence last week.

President Maithripala Sirisena and opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa headed the meeting, which was attended by representatives from several political parties.

It is reported that a decision was taken to stage an islandwide protest to compel the United National Party (UNP) led government to hold Provincial Council elections soon and to inform the public on the intended alliance.

Further discussions regarding the proposed alliance are expected between president Sirisena and Rajapaksa.