New hope for Sri Lanka peace

By Priyath Liyanage
BBC Sinhala Service

Secret diplomatic talks have been taking place between the Sri Lankan Government and the Tamil Tiger rebels during a government visit to London.

The PM is optimistic about the peace process

Norwegian facilitators have been involved in discussions with the rebel leadership in an attempt to break the current deadlock.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickramesinghe was addressing the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday.

Mr Wickramesinghe, who is heading the delegation, said news about a resumption of talks would be released in the coming weeks.

He expressed optimism about the future of the peace talks between his government and the Tamil Tigers.

Business leaders

The prime minister confirmed he had a very good meeting with the Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgersen on Monday evening.

He was talking to business representatives in London outlining the facilities Sri Lanka is providing to foreign investors.

Before their meeting with the prime minister, the Norwegians met the Tamil Tiger's negotiator Anton Balasingham.

Mr Wickramesinghe said he was satisfied with the progress of the peace process.

Analysts say there has been intense secret diplomacy between the two sides in the past few weeks and that government proposals for an interim administration are already with the Tigers.

The Norwegian delegation met Mr Balasingham on Tuesday morning for further discussions.

They say the Tamil Tigers recognise the difficulties faced by the government and have agreed to work together in order to break the current deadlock.

The Tigers broke off negotiations, saying that plans for an interim administration were not substantial enough.

However, Mr Wickramesinghe did not give any indication when he thought talks would resume.