Also, an agreement is to be sealed in the next few days between the political parties and organisations backing the common candidate.

Speaking at the 77th birth commemoration of Lalith Athulathmudali, the UNP leader has said that once the General election is held after the Presidential election, the government and the opposition parties must join hands to work together for two years.

He added that the battle commenced to abolish the executive presidency cannot be limited to the introduction of a new constitution.

A new political culture should be established after abolishing executive presidency and relevant measures would be taken after the General election, he said, adding that they would work together with all parties.

A return to party politics can be done after the two years, Wickremesinghe has added.