‘Desire to find solution in govt-TNA talks’

Waruna Padmasiri

Commenting on the ongoing talks between the government and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Prof Rajiva Wijesinha MP, Presidential adviser for reconciliation and member of the government delegation for the govt-TNA discussions told the Daily News that “there is an increasing perception that there are many common factors between us and there is a desire on both sides to have a positive solution”.

‘There are one or two issues which will obviously take a longer time, rather than trying to resolve the more difficult question first, resolving the easier issues first will be more productive. Because then you realize that the difficult problems are not so difficult” Wijesinha said.

On the merger of the Northern and the Eastern Provinces, frankly the government’s position is very clear that it is not possible. The TNA also realizes that it is a bit of a hangover from the 1980s. However on land and police powers I think we can compromise if neither side is dogmatic,” he said.

He said that we should be working on those commonalities to come to a consensus. ‘There are various other things where there is close possibilities of agreement, for example the Second Chamber etc”, he said.

Commenting on issuing a joint statement after the discussions to clarify the outcomes of the talks, Prof Wijesinha said that “it has been agreed at the last meeting to have a very brief joint statement to avoid misunderstandings. Initially it was decided not to have statements.

“Then we found out that people were forgetting things and individuals obviously talk to the press,” HE SAID.

The next round of talks between the government and the TNA is scheduled to begin on January 17.