Discussions between Govt. and TNA postponed

2 October 2011 07:32 pm

Another round of discussions between the government and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) which was to be held today was postponed yesterday because of the upcoming local government election.

TNA spokesman and MP Suresh Premachnadran told the Daily Mirror that the government wanted the discussion which was fixed for today postponed as they were busy with the campaign for the upcoming local government election. “Election is not relevant for us as we are not contesting but the government wanted a postponement since they are contesting,” he said.

Mr. Premachnadran said no decision had been taken on a new date for the discussion yet but he said it is likely that the next date would be around October 10, after the conclusion of the election. Asked whether there would be more postponements as the government could be busy once again preparing for the budget, Mr. Premachnadran said a discussion would definitely take place before the budget as his party.

He said the TNA would focus on some sort of devolution of power at the next round of discussions.

Delegations from both parties last met on September 17 and they decided to continue the talks on the basis of the proposals handed in by the TNA, the proposals made by former President Chandrika Kumaratunga and the recommendations of the experts' panel appointed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2006. (Yohan Perera)