Support of the President of Sri Lanka for Peace Negotiations - 2002-11-12

The President of Sri Lanka has stated her support for the government's efforts in peace talks with Tamil rebels and for ending the 19-year civil war. Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunga, speaking today on the occasion of her eighth year in office, said that actions taken in the past year have led to a reduction in tensions, which is a satisfactory development. The President had previously criticized the Prime Minister's peace initiative but today called on all political parties in the country to work together on a common program to end the war. The Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers have made unexpected progress in establishing peace during two rounds of talks mediated by the Norwegian government, with the rebels retracting their previous demand for an independent Tamil state and agreeing to an autonomous government within the framework of Sri Lanka. The talks have been held face-to-face in Thailand since September. Currently, the President's party is in the minority in the Sri Lankan parliament and plays the role of opposition against the ruling party led by the Prime Minister. In her remarks today, the President adopted a conciliatory tone towards the Prime Minister, stating that minor differences should be set aside and key forces should work on a common peace program. The Prime Minister has sought to curtail the President's power since taking office.