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| Ranil
wants defence - or polls Nowhere does the Constitution state that the President should hold the defence portfolio, he told more than 5000 delegates. He said he was ready to go before the people without any hesitation and return with a strengthened mandate to pursue peace. Premier Wickremesinghe's remarks made clear that a month-long dialogue between the ruling United National Front (UNF) and President Kumaratunga to resolve disputes arising from the latter's take over of defence, interior and mass communication portfolios on November 4 have not yet been successful. Hence, UNF sources say, he has not only told his party members of the options left to the President but also given them a broad hint they should be ready for a concerted polls campaign. However, the official dialogue between UNP Chairman Malik Samarawickrema and senior Presidential Advisor, Mano Tittawella, is still on track. But the duo have undertaken separate trips abroad thus delaying further talks. It is unlikely their dialogue will resume until next year. Premier Wickremesinghe's assertions to his party convention, UNP sources say, also underscores his keenness to ensure an early settlement either way. This is particularly in view of the continuing uncertainty having an adverse impact on the economy. Mr. Wickremesinghe said yesterday that the political crisis had put off would-be foreign investors to Sri Lanka. "We have the mandate to carry on with the peace process. Nobody can change that mandate. It is only the people who can change that mandate at an election," Mr. Wickremesinghe said. He said that it was President Kumaratunga who could decide on fresh elections, but he was confident that his current mandate would be strengthened in the event of an election. "'As long as our mandate is there it should be protected by Parliament," he said. |
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