The government and the TNA will meet on December 5, 6, 14 and 15 for extensive talks on areas where the TNA has sought devolved power. 

When asked for comments about Wednesday’s talks with the government, TNA parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran said police and land powers, the unit of devolution, the powers of governors and the powers to be vested with the government were among the matters to be discussed widely during talks with the government next month.  
 

“With regard to the powers to be vested with the government, we have to discuss whether a second chamber should be established or not. It needs to be agreed whether the unit of devolution should be the north or the re-merged north-east,” he said and added that the interests of Muslims should be considered in deciding on the unit of devolution.
 

TNA leader R. Sampanthan said his party was committed to a reasonable, durable and workable solution within the framework of a united and undivided Sri Lanka and when asked whether the entire negotiation process would be wrapped up after the four meetings in December, Mr. Sampanthan said his party expected much progress in this respect. 
 

On the TNA’s recent visit to the United States, he said, “It is a long story. Anyway, talks with the US representatives were useful and constructive.

Responding to the allegation that the TNA excluded the members of its alliance partner TELO in all high profile meetings, Mr. Sampanthan said his party was not in the business of excluding or including anyone and that decisions were based on certain circumstances. (By Kelum Bandara)