Chandrika invites Opposition for talks

By Nirupama Subramanian

COLOMBO, JULY 27: The President, Mrs. Chandrika Kumaratunga, has invited all the Opposition parties for talks on the political situation in the country in the wake of the LTTE attack on the international airport.

The President's invitation came against the backdrop of appeals to all parties to set aside their political differences and work together in a time of crisis for Sri Lanka.

Invitations were sent out to parliamentary parties by the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday to meet Mrs. Kumaratunga today.

The main opposition United National Party leadership, which was away in Kandy today for a protest meeting against the Government, was scheduled to meet the President this evening.

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, was scheduled to meet Mrs. Kumaratunga on Saturday but has requested for a postponement. Likewise, the Tamil United Liberation Front has also requested for a postponement of the meeting to after August 6 as most of its office-bearers are away.

It is not yet clear what the President wants to discuss with these political parties. But it is likely that the Opposition parties will raise their demand for reconvening Parliament during their discussions with Mrs. Kumaratunga.

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Section  : International
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