LTTE pulls out of talks: President hopes talks would recommence

[April 22, 2003 - 3.30 GMT]

The President expresses her deep dissatisfaction at the LTTE’s unilateral decision to suspend negotiations with the Government. However it has been clear for sometime now, that it was the LTTE which was responsible for a series of violations of the Ceasefire Agreement, the parties entered into in February last year.

The President is of the view that the reasons put forward by the LTTE for their withdrawal from the talks are feeble. The past experiences of successive Governments with the LTTE have been no different said the President. The President is hopeful better senses would prevail and that the peace talks would recommence and a lasting solution that ensures the rights of all our peoples would soon be reached.

In view of the emerging situation the President summoned a meeting of the three service commanders and the Inspector General of Police on Monday night to assess the security situation in the country. The President directed them to reintroduce immediately the security measures that were set up in 1995 to ensure the security and safety of the people.

The President has summoned an emergency meeting for Tuesday morning [22nd April] with the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and all other members of the National Security Council.

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Last Updated Date: April 22, 2003  - 3.30 GMT.