No return to hostilities - PA

[TamilNet, Thursday, 06 November 2003, 14:13 GMT]
Sri Lanka's President, Ms.Chandrika Kumaratunge, is committed to the continuity of the ceasefire agreement and to keeping open the channel of communication with the LTTE with the objective of arriving at a negotiated settlement within a united country, the Presidential Secretariat said in a press release issued Thursday evening. "The President wishes to assure the people of the country that there will be no return to hositilities," said the press release.

"The United National Front government will continue to negotiate with the LTTE and will be guided and supported in its quest for a negotiated settlement to usher peace with dignity to all communities in Sri Lanka," said the press release.

Meanwhile, presidential advisor Mr.Mano Tittawela at a press briefing held Thursday said that the President has no intention of toppling the present government.

The suspension of parliament and the declaration of State of Emergency would not destabilize the self-confidence and the economic growth of the country. The President has taken the greatest care in the key measures with minimum impact on the stability of the country, said Mr.Tittawela.

According to Mr. Tittawela, "The President is for co-habitation but with due dignity and respect."

He further said the President's action is to ensure national security and stability. Prorogation of parliament and the introduction of the State of Emergency were to be effective for the least period of time and they are meant to ensure stability and prevent extremist elements from instigating violence.