The two parties have held several discussions on this regard, reports add.

Speaking to 'Sri Lanka Mirror', an individual engaged in this task said that these attempts to reconcile Sumathipala and Dharmadasa are also backed by President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Speaking to Indian media earlier this month, Ports and Naval Affairs minister - Arjuna Ranatunga too, has expressed his readiness to contest the SLC election.

According to sources from the field, Ranatunga will receive the backing of his brother - Nishantha Ranatunga as well that of Jayantha's brother - Upali Dharmadasa.

Earlier, Arjuna contested for the top post of the SLC but had only received 08 out of 147 votes.

According to veterans of the field, both Jayantha and Thilanga too have a limited chance of securing an outright victory after going solo at the election.