Sri Lankan govt says standoff yet to be settled

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, December 18, 2003

Sri Lankan govt says standoff yet to be settled

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The basic problem with regards to the ongoing political standoff between Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga and the government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is yet to be settled, government spokesman G.L. Peiris said Thursday.

"The basic problem relating to the portfolio of defense has notbeen resolved and the government treats this as a matter of fundamental importance," Peiris, Constitutional Affairs Minister told reporters here.

President Kumaratunga and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe representing rival two main political parties in the country are locked in a political standoff since Nov. 4 when Kumaratunga took under her the powers of three key ministries including defense.

Peiris said the viability and the effectiveness of the stalled peace process with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels would depend on Wickremesinghe's ability to control the Defense Ministry.

A committee of top aides of the two leaders have gone into talks to try and reach a compromise solution.

"We do not think that any agreement is possible in respect of the defense portfolio which does not give the prime minister and his government effective authority in respect of the defense apparatus." he said.

Peiris said the political activities would experience a lull after Wednesday when the parliament went for the recess.

Political observers pointed to a snap parliamentary election to end the current political impasse but no signs have just yet emerged of such an eventuality.

Peace talks between the government and the LTTE rebels have been on hold since April following six previous rounds commenced in September last year.

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