Jan 06, Colombo: Sri Lanka's Opposition and main opposition United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremasinghe has initiated discussions to unite the opposition parties, party sources said.

Following informal discussions with the leaders of opposition parties, the official discussions will be commenced this week, sources added.

The discussions will be aimed at forming a strong opposition that would be able to defeat the Rajapaksa government at the upcoming general and presidential elections.

The discussions to be led by the Opposition Leader will focus on the abolition of executive presidency, good governance and alleviating corruption.

According to party sources, the UNP is expected to discuss with all the opposition parties including the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), the Democratic Party, Tamil National Alliance, Frontline Socialist Party, left parties and other minor groups.

The Opposition Leader expects to discuss with all the parties that represent the parliament in the next round, UNP sources said.