President Chandrika Kumaratunga and the Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe met this morning at President’s House to discuss a number of matters relating to the peace process. Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar was also present.

In particular, the President briefed Mr. Wickremesinghe on the proceedings of the National Advisory Council for Peace and Reconciliation [NACPR] held yesterday and plans for future meetings of the Council. The President emphasized the importance of the UNP’s participation in the Council. She requested Mr. Wickremesinghe to reconsider the party’s decision and keep her informed. Mr. Wickremesinghe explained the position of the United National Party on such matters and drew particular attention to the published UNP Statement on its position regarding the Oslo Declaration and communiqué and the Tokyo Declaration.

He emphasized the urgent need for the peace process to be put back on track by the early resumption of talks on the basis comprehensively set out in the statement released by the UNP. He reiterated that there was “a clear agreement between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE to explore a federal solution as the basis of a political resolution of the ethnic conflict”. The lengthy discussion was informative and constructive. The President and the Leader of the Opposition agreed that they would continue to meet from time to time.

Director General
Presidential Media Unit
November 2, 2004