The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the major opposition party, the United National Party (UNP), will be signed by next Monday.

Both parties will hold further discussions on Sunday (October 22) or on Monday (23) on power sharing, portfolios and other important aspects with regard to development, a senior SLFPer said.

Peoples’ Alliance (PA) General Secretary, Posts and Telecommunications Minister D. M. Jayaratne told The Island yesterday that they have two alternatives, either to share portfolios 50-50, as the opposition wanted it, or to adopt a Donoughmore system where all members could join in as a committee.

On October 12 the SLFP and the UNP entered into an agreement to cooperate on all issues vital for the nation’s well being. Both parties agreed to enter into a MoU centred on six issues including the peace process and economic development.