he inking of a deal to set up a broad electoral alliance under the banner of Sri Lanka's United National Party may be finalized later in August and not on August 05 as earlier expected, its leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said.
Wickremesinghe ran into opposition from the UNP parliamentary group last week when a constitution of the alliance style National Democratic Front, was presented for voting without giving time for study.
"At the final discussions new ideas emerged," Wickremesinghe said. "We thought it was important to take them into account and take more time to draw up the document for the National Democratic Front.
"We have decided to set up the NDF before the end of August."
He said the NDF will not be a bar to internal workings of constituent parties.
Leaders of several parties have called on the UNP to solve their internal divisions and choose a presidential candidate and they will then sign the document.
Many UNP seniors are now supporting Sajith Premadasa. Others in the running include Karu Jayasuriya.
Meanwhile Sri Lanka Podujana Party backed by ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa is to hold a convention on August 11, where a candidate could be announced.
(www.economynext.com)