The SLFP Friday night agreed to give in to two key JVP demands that the National Film Corporation and the Livestock Development are placed within the purview of JVP ministers but reiterated the necessity to have a separate Mahaweli ministry, well informed alliance sources told the Sunday Island.

SLFP and JVP delegations held lengthy discussions at the President’s House in Kandy in a bid to resolve a series of contentious issues, particularly the allocation of various subjects under ministries. President Chandrika Kumaratunga and JVP Gen. Secretary Tilvin led the delegations, the sources said.

The president stepped in after talks between the JVP and a ministerial committee failed to produce the desired results. "We resolved all major disputes except Mahaweli issue," the sources said, adding the two parties agreed to meet again on Saturday to take a final decision.

They expressed confidence in resolving the issue over the weekend. "We are keen to get JVP ministers to take oaths tomorrow," the sources said.

The JVP boycotted last week’s swearing in of ministers at the President’s House. The party insisted the party wouldn’t accept the four ministries offered to them unless the President placed all relevant subjects including Mahaweli under the respective ministries.

During Friday’s meeting the SLFP had pointed out there had been a separate Mahaweli ministry for over 30 years. But the previous government brought the subject under the Irrigation and Water Management Ministry.

The JVP is of the view it would be ridiculous to create a separate Mahaweli ministry after giving them Agriculture, Lands and Irrigation ministry.

The sources said that both sides are under heavy pressure to resolve the tussle over portfolios. (SF)