India has urged Sri lanka to provide a politica solution through APRC

The United National Party (UNP) says India strongly advised Sri Lanka to provide a political solution to the national question based on the 13 amendment to the constitution.

The merger of the north and east provinces under the Indo-Lanka agreement, was ruled illegal by the Supreme Court, last year.

The government was also urged to get the consensus of southern political parties through the All Party Representative Committee (APRC).

National Security Advisor MK Narayanan, Defence Secretary Vijay Singh and Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon made an unannounced visit to Sri Lanka last month.

War deadline extended

The delegation held talks with President Rajapaksa, his two brothers, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya and Senior Advisor Basil and President’s Secretary, Lalith Weeratunga.

In a very unusual move, both parties were tight lipped over the talks and no photos were released to the media.

	Commander said he needs one more year to defeat the LTTE

UNP parliamentarian Lakshman Kiriella accused the government of waging war against the LTTE in an attempt to divert attention on government’s failure to find solutions to burning questions.

He told journalists in Colombo that the government is extending the deadline to defeat the LTTE as it has no solution for the failing economy.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Mr. Kiriella said, earlier pledged to complete the war “before2008 Sinhala, Hindu new year”, which was in April.

Karuna travelled as 'Anthony'

Sri Lanka Army commander Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka, who pledged to defeat the LTTE before August this year, is now saying it will take one more year, the UNP MP added.

Gen. Fonseka told foreign correspondents last week that the LTTE is already defeated as a conventional army but it will take another year for the final victory.

	Karuna refused to reveal details of his travel arrangements

Commenting on Karuna Amman’s deportation to Sri Lanka, Mr. Kiriella accused the government of providing another false passport for his return.

Karuna Amman earlier told British court that Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, provided a diplomatic passport for him to travel to UK.

UNP says he was given another false passport, bearing the name Anthony, for Karuna to come back to Colombo.

When questioned by BBC Tamil Service on Friday, Col. Karuna refused to reveal his travel arrangements.