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by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has suggested to the Prime Minister that a committee be appointed to ensure the smooth continuation of links between the Defence Authorities and the Peace Secretariat.

This was disclosed by Senior Advisor to the President Mano Tittawella who read out a statement at a hurriedly organised media briefing last afternoon on behalf of the President. His statement referred to the remarks made by Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgessen last morning. \

"The President has already discussed this subject with leaders of several political parties and the diplomatic and donor community," Tittawella said adding that the President will meet the Prime Minister again to continue discussions on this proposals. He said the President's view is that a Government of National Reconstruction and Reconciliation should be established and in such a Government all parties could assist in taking the peace process forward.

"The objective of the President's effort is to ensure there is not only clarity but countrywide support for a settlement which will be a honourable solution to the long-standing ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka," Tittawella added.

The full text of the statement:

"In the President's discussions with Mr. Helgessen and his delegation during the past few days, it was made clear that the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) would be respected and an assurance was also given that the freedom of movement for LTTE political cadres in areas held by the Government would also be respected. On the President's instructions, the Sri Lankan Armed Forces have extended their fullest co-operation to the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission and the freedom of operation and security of SLMM personnel have been assured by her.

The developments of the last week regarding the reshuffling of three portfolios are entirely in keeping with the Constitution of Sri Lanka. In fact, the unanimous decision of the Supreme Court has made it abundantly clear that the function of Defence should be held solely by the President of the country. All citizens of Sri Lanka are duty bound to abide by the provisions of the Constitution. The President has reiterated that the CFA continues to be in place and that negotiations between the Government and the LTTE should continue.

This position has been made clear to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe when he met the President on November 12. The President also informed the Prime Minister that every assistance will be given by the Defence authorities under her to comply with the provisions of the CFA. She requested the Prime Minister to continue with his negotiation efforts in the context of the recent changes.

It is the President's view that a government of National Reconstruction and Reconciliation should be established in Sri Lanka. In such a Government, all parties could assist in taking forward the Peace Process.

She also suggested to the Prime Minister that a committee be appointed to ensure the smooth continuation between the Defence authorities and the Peace Secretariat.

The President has already discussed this subject with leaders of several political parties and the diplomatic and donor community. Next week, she will meet the Prime Minister again to continue discussions on this proposal.

The President wishes to reiterate her commitment, at a time like this, to put country before self, and to join hands with her in forming a Government of National Reconstruction and Reconciliation."

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