Sri Lanka ceasefire 'will stand'

The president stressed the need for law and order

The President of Sri Lanka, Chandrika Kumaratunga, says the ceasefire agreement with Tamil Tiger rebels is not in jeopardy, despite her decision to invoke a series of emergency powers.

Her statement follows expressions of concern by the rebels after the president suspended parliament, sacked several senior ministers, and called out troops.

She said the steps were being taken to preserve national security, using a nationwide television address to accuse the government of making too many concessions to the Tamil Tigers.

The ceasefire between the government and rebels - ending 20 years of civil war - was brokered by Norwegian mediators and signed in February 2002.

"The president has specifically asked me to state that the ceasefire agreement stands, and will stand and there is no question about it," said spokesman Lakshman Kadirgamar.

"The president has no intention of resuming or provoking the resumption of hostilities."

'Haste'

President Kumaratunga's decision to sack the information, defence and interior ministers, suspend parliament and deploy troops around key buildings in the capital, Colombo, stunned the country and prompted loud protests from her political rivals.

The irresponsible and precipitous action of the president is aimed at plunging the country into chaos and anarchy Ranil Wickramasinghe Prime Minister PM's statement in full President's televised address

Her Sri Lanka Freedom Party, which is the parliamentary opposition, had expressed concern about the Tigers' proposals for a self-governing authority in the north-east of the country.

The Tigers have dropped a demand for independence in favour of regional autonomy.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando told the BBC that Mrs Kumaratunga had misjudged the security situation.

"It appears that the president unfortunately has acted in great haste right at the time when the peace process is gaining momentum."

Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe has accused the president of bringing Sri Lanka to the verge of anarchy and chaos.

The prime minister, who is on a visit to Washington, said the president had endangered efforts to end Sri Lanka's long-running civil war.

Indian 'surprise'

The United States, for its part, has warned that the political crisis could damage moves to end the civil war.

HAVE YOUR SAY To improve the current situation international pressure should be used on the president Rajendran, Sri Lanka Send us your comments

A State Department spokesman said Washington firmly supported the Sri Lankan Government's peace efforts, and urged the president and the prime minister to work together.

The European Union has also warned that the sackings could endanger progress in the peace process.

India has expressed "surprise" at the "sudden political developments" in its southern neighbour.

"We hope that the situation does not provoke a constitutional crisis which would impact on the political stability in Sri Lanka and on the ongoing peace process," said a Foreign Ministry spokesman in Delhi.

President Kumaratunga is due to visit India at the end of the week for a United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) meeting.