Sri Lanka's two main parties, the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the main opposition United National Party (UNP), have agreed to collaborate in addressing the nation's issues such as peace process, good governance and development.

According to the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two parties on Monday, the two parties will work together to find a political solution to the conflict in the north and east between the government and the rebel Tamil Tigers.

They also agree to cooperate in the areas of electoral reforms, good governance and social development.

The UNP, holding 82 seats in the 225-member parliament, will support the government to implement the policies and programs in the said areas.

The agreement will remain operative in two years from the date of signing and the two parties agreed to establish a high-level committee to oversee the implementation of the agreement.

SLFP leader and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the new agreement is aimed at ushering in a new culture where everybody puts the country first, without thinking of personal gains.

"This culture would help us to defeat terrorism and ensure a conducive atmosphere in the country where everybody could live in peace and harmony," said the president.

UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the SLFP-UNP pact was an agreement for peace, stability and good governance.

Wickremasinghe said the country's development needed peace and the solution had to come from politicians.

"This was only a beginning. A long road will have to be traversed. Success cannot be achieved in one leap; it had to be reached step by step in a systematic manner," said the opposition leader.

(Xinhua News Agency October 24, 2006)