Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has written to Mr. Anton Balasingham acknowledging receipt of his letter of 21 April 2003. He states that he has noted the concerns expressed by Mr. Balasingham and that he will be responding to them in full. At the same time he noted the reiteration of the LTTE’s commitment to seek a negotiated political solution to the ethnic question.

On 21 April 2003 Mr. Anton Balasingham, Chief Negotiator of the LTTE, sent a letter to the Hon. Prime Minister informing him that the LTTE leadership had decided “to suspend its participations in the negotiations for the time being”. The letter also mentioned that the LTTE “will not be attending the Donor Conference in Japan in June.” The reason given for the decision was “the deep displeasure and dismay” felt by the LTTE on “some critical issues relating to the ongoing peace process”.

Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s letter:

22nd April 2003

Dr Anton Balasingham
Political Advisor
Chief Negotiator to the LTTE
LTTE Headquarters
Kilinochchi

Dear Dr Balasingham,

I am in receipt of your letter of 21st April 2003 outlining the views of your organization on some critical issues relating to the ongoing peace process.

I have noted your concerns and will be responding to them in full.

I am glad to note the reiteration of your commitment to seek a negotiated political solution to the ethnic question.

With regards,

Yours sincerely,

Ranil Wickremesinghe
Prime Minister of Sri Lanka