We are not going back to war - PM

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse yesterday firmly denied allegations that he wants to take the country back to war. "I totally reject such accusations," he told reporters after casting his ballot at the D.A. Rajapakse Vidyalaya in Weeraketiya.

"I have always said I am ready to discuss with the LTTE rebels. I am for direct talks with them," he stressed, adding that all parties wanted to review the 2002 ceasefire.

He expressed confidence that he would emerge victorious at the election and urged his supporters to share the joy of victory without intimidating opponents. Residents said they were voting en bloc for Rajapakse in Weeraketiya, 15 kilometres from the coastal town of Tangalle.

"Don't mention the name Ranil here," young civil servant Dilip Chamara told AFP. "The Prime Minister has brought us roads, schools, a bus stand and a new bridge. No one's going to vote against him in this place."

The Premier told the media after casting his ballot that, if elected, he would immediately reduce the price of fertiliser to help reduce the economic burden on farmers.