Discussions are underway to contest forthcoming PC polls

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo
Discussions within leading political parties in the country on contesting the eastern provincial council election have entered its final stage.
Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva says several political parties have agreed to contest under the UPFA ticket.
The UNP has commenced initial activities pertaining to the election. The SLMC will declare its decision on contesting the eastern provincial poll on Monday. The JVP says it has commenced the selection for the candidates for the election.
The TNA is yet to take a decision on contesting the election. The acceptance of nominations for the eastern election commenced yesterday. Nine independent groups have so far made their deposits. Nominations are accepted till the 3rd of next month. However the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress has postponed the date to take a final decision on contesting the eastern provincial council election to the 31st of this month.
Speaking to media General Secretary of the SLMC parliamentarian Hassan Ali said the politburo of the party took this decision at a meeting last evening.