With the ruling SLFP-led UPFA coalition now assured of over 140 seats in the next Parliament, it is wooing the SLMC, which contested the April 8 general election on the UNP ticket, to raise numbers to secure a two-thirds majority.

Well informed sources told The Island that soon after the release of the results of 20 out of 22 electoral districts, the government had approached the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) to explore the possibility of finalising an agreement before Parliament meets again on April 22. Sources said that an SLFP strategist who had played a pivotal role in winning many Opposition MPs at the previous parliament was involved in negotiations.