Govt. rejects TNA’S mediation call

TNA is likely to continue with both sides not being ready to budge from their stands on the appointment of members to the proposed parliamentary select committee

The government has officially turned down TNA MP Suresh Premachandran’s request for external mediation in talks between the two sides on the evolution of a political solution.

External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris told Parliament that the government would not entertain such views by the TNA MP.

Mr. Premachandran earlier suggested to his party and the government that such international mediation was important for the successful completion of talks.

Meanwhile, the present stalemate in talks between the government and the TNA is likely to continue with both sides not being ready to budge from their stands on the appointment of members to the proposed parliamentary select

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Sajin Vaas Gunawardane who is a member of the delegation that participated in talks said the TNA should nominate members to the select committee cited by him as the best forum to discuss a political solution.

mittee to evolve a political solution.

Government MP Sajin Vaas Gunawardane who is a member of the delegation that participated in talks with t he TNA said in Parliament this week that the TNA should nominate members to the select committee cited by him as the best forum to discuss a political solution.

Mr. Gunawardane said that bipartisan political dialogue could be revived only if the TNA nominated its members to the select committee.

However, the TNA is insisting that the government should reach an understanding first with them before referring it to be considered by other parties.