“War is certainly not an option” – Cabinet Spokesman

[August 26, 2004 - 10.15 GMT]

While strongly condemning the ongoing spate of killings in the East and in Colombo, Cabinet spokesman Mangala Samaraweera was emphatic when he said “the Government is totally opposed to war” He said “for the sake of peace they are willing to be very very patient.”

“War is certainly not an option and we hope that the LTTE would respond to our request in the same spirit by resuming negotiations as soon as possible,” he said at a media briefing in Colombo today.

The Cabinet spokesman said that these killings will make the creation of a conducive climate for peace talks more difficult and that it is not only a severe strain on the peace process but also tests the Government’s threshold of tolerance.

Asked if the Government has had a hand in the incidents, Minister Samaraweera reiterated that the Government has remained ‘firmly independent’ of the ongoing factional rivalry.

“Sri Lankan Army must be commended for its discipline and commitment to peace in maintaining the CFA despite several provocations during the last two years,” he said with regard to the attacks on the army patrols in the East.

In response to a question on LTTE claims of a third party trying to set up the two parties (GOSL and the LTTE) against each other he denied the existence of any third party.

“But if that is true, the best answer to that will be for us to sit together at the negotiation table as soon as possible,” he added.

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Last Updated Date: August 26, 2004  - 10.15 GMT.