Tokyo Donor Conference Co-Chairs call on President
[July 25, 2005 - 10.30 GMT]

President Chandrika Kumaratunga met with the Colombo-based diplomatic representatives of the four Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference, at their request today. She discussed the current situation of the peace process and the status of the CFA in light of the recent statement that had been issued by the four Co-Chairs on 19^th July 2005. While appreciating the concerns expressed, she brought to the attention of the four Co-Chairs some aspects not reflected in the statement.

The President acknowledged that there is deterioration in the security situation in the East but emphasized the need for an objective appraisal. The President pointed out the huge preponderance of violations of the CFA on the part of the LTTE, as ruled by the SLMM, including the continuing recruitment of under age children, assassinations of individuals opposed to the LTTE, the killing of GOSL policemen and soldiers. She stressed the importance of exerting pressure on the LTTE to curb such activities.

The President also pointed out that it is unfortunate that the four Co-Chairs repeated the position of the LTTE about the Government’s support to “paramilitary groups”. The Government’s obligations to disarm paramilitary groups under the Ceasefire Agreement was completed to the satisfaction of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) and the SLMM has stated that there are no other groups falling under this category. The government does not condone nor support the activities of the former LTTE cadres of the ‘Karuna’ group or any others, who are engaged in clashes with the LTTE in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

The President reiterated the government’s position that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure the safety of its citizen’s and that it is committed to take all necessary measures to guarantee this.  She stated that in the light of the several flaws and shortcomings of the Ceasefire Agreement that have become apparent in the last three and a half years, the Government has indicated its willingness to review the CFA through high level discussions with the LTTE, with a view to improving  the security situation, and building greater confidence.  She welcomed efforts by the Co-Chairs to encourage such a dialogue.

The President thanked the 4 Co-Chairs for the interest shown in furthering the peace process in Sri Lanka.

The Co-chairs were represented by US Ambassador Jeffrey Lunstead, High Commissioner S.N. Evans of the U.K, Norwegian Charge d’Affaires Oddvar Laegreid represented the Presidency of the EU, and Japan’s Charge d’Affairs Hirochi Karube.

Associated with the President were Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, Jayantha Dhanapala, SG/SCOPP and Foreign Secretary HMGS Palihakkara.

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Last Updated Date: July 25, 2005 - 10.30 GMT