'The govt. is committed to achieve peace through dialogue'

Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, government spokesman and the Leader of the House, told BBC Sandeshaya that the authorities are keen to discuss matters pertaining to the violations of the CFA after the killing of Foreign Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar.

As the parties and security officials are based in Sri Lanka, the minister said, the government is opposing the LTTE’s proposal to have talks in the Norwegian capital, Oslo, as earlier proposed by the Tamil Tigers.

“And there is no need to internationalise everything.”

"Backboneless"

The minister added that the government has opposed another proposal to have talks in Kilinochchi, at the LTTE headquarters, and proposed Omanthai instead.

He rejected accusations that the government is exhibiting its weakness by having talks with the Tigers soon after the assassination of a senior minister.

“Someone might say that we are a backboneless government. No. It’s not that. We firmly believe that this conflict could only be resolved through dialogue and discussion.”

Minister de Silva added that, however, the Tamil Tigers have once again declined that offer to have talks in Omanthai.

“My information is that they have again suggested that it should be held outside Sri Lanka.”