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CBK off to India to argue her case
Marking the launch of what appears to be a new international campaign, President Chandrika Kumaratunga will fly to India tomorrow to meet Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee for talks on the Sri Lankan peace process and other bilateral matters.

Her visit to India, accompanied by her International Affairs Advisor and former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, is in response to an invitation from the Indian government.

Party sources said President Kumaratunga had decided to venture on a fresh international campaign, explaining her position regarding the peace process and would be making use of the Indian invitation to explain her stand to Indian leaders.

Besides the Indian Premier, President Kumaratunga will also call on Indian opposition leader Sonia Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha Jeyaram.
President Kumaratunga had decided to keep the international community informed about her position regarding the future of the peace process in the event of the PA returning to office.

Earlier this week she met all ambassadors and heads of missions based in Sri Lanka together with Mr. Kadirgamar and explained to them that she would continue with the peace process under a future PA government.

"The President will counter any propaganda that she would discontinue the peace process when a future PA government is elected," a source close to her said.
The decision to keep the international community informed comes as the PA and the JVP continue with their discussion on reaching a pact.

President Kumaratunga has already insisted to the JVP that the ongoing peace process with the LTTE should continue under their future governments.She is expected to take other measures to keep the international community informed about the position regarding peace talks.

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