A last ditch attempt by the United National Front leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to forge an alliance with General (Rtd) Sarath Fonseka to contest the forthcoming parliamentary election failed with Fonseka signing his nomination papers as leader of the Democratic National Alliance yesterday afternoon.

Political sources told The Island that Wickremesinghe had, during a meeting with Anoma Fonseka on Tuesday night, requested that her husband Sarath Fonseka join the UNF to contest the parliamentary poll under the Elephant symbol.

Anoma had met her husband yesterday morning at the Navy Headquarters, where he is being detained on alleged charges under the Military Act, and conveyed Wickremesinghe request. However, Fonseka had rejected the offer, sources said.

A few hours later, Fonseka signed his nomination papers to contest the Colombo District, at the apartment where he is being held.

The UNF, which comprises the UNP, SLMC, SLFP-M and the DPF, offered to make Fonseka a Deputy Leader of the Alliance. In keeping with this decision 20 per cent of its nomination lists were kept open.

However, UNF sources said that since Fonseka was yet to submit his nomination papers to the Elections Commissioner, they were still hopeful that he would change his mind and throw in his lot with the UNF.