They said that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between two parties is a long felt need and a dream come true.

Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha thera, who attended the religious ceremony to invoke blessings on the historic day that two parties signed the MoU, told the 'Asian Tribune' that this is a starting point of a prosperous era.

He pointed out that in the history too there were agreements signed by the two parties –UNP and SLFP- with other small parties. But this was the first time that the two main parties came to an agreement.

"For a long period of time, the people of this country expected this kind of agreement between the UNP and SLFP. They hoped that these two parties would come to an agreement when comes to national issues. Now they can have hopes of a better future," Ven Sobitha Thera said.

Meanwhile, he said that this landmark agreement should not be an agreement to get ministerial portfolios and getting such posts cannot solve the national issues. According to Ven.Thera there are many serious problems like the North and East problem to be solved through this union.

"If the LTTE 's killing of political leaders increases, there would be no politician other than Prabakaran, who would be remained to rule the country in future. So the major issue that are needed to be solved is the North and East problem", he pointed out.

Ven. Sobitha Thera said that crucial national issues like electoral Reforms and implementing National Policies could be passed easily when the two major parties were in one side.

Ven. Udamita Assaji Tissa of the Amarapura Chapter said that the agreement was a historic achievement and both parties should work towards the future of the country.

According to Ven. Assaji Tissa Thera the agreement will help to solve the ethnic problem of the country.