Following several rounds of talks, the DP and the UNF will sign a MoU at Temple Trees at 3.00 pm today (03), Perera has told BBC.

 

The DP, which contested the last general election on its own due to political reasons, has been invited by the UNP to join forces, for which the party leader has made a very positive response, he said.

 

When asked about Fonseka’s criticism of the present regime, he said that that was intended at getting its mistakes rectified.

 

As per the MoU, Fonseka will take oaths on February as an MP to fill the vacancy created following the death of lands minister M.K.D.S. Gunawardena.

 

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.

 

Apey Jathika Peramuna, led by retired Capt. Senaka de Silva, private secretary to Fonseka, too, will join with the UNP today.

 

Meanwhile, minister Harin Fernando told the media yesterday that he was not agreeable to Fonseka’s joining the UNP, but that he would respect his party’s decision.

 

Also, appointing Fonseka, a defeated candidate at the general election, will amount to a belittling of the people’s supremacy, he said.