Apey Jathika Peramuna, led by Fonseka’s private secretary Senaka de Silva, too, will become part of the UNF on the occasion.

After the MoU is signed, Fonseka will be appointed to parliament on the UNP national list within days, to fill the vacancy created following the death of lands minister M.K.A.D.S. Gunawardena.

Thereafter, he will be given the law and order ministry, sources say.

Ministers Rajitha Senaratne and Champika Ranawaka, supported by minister Malik Samarawickrama, have proposed to prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe that the vacant seat be given to the DP leader.