Land Minister gives up tooth for a tooth policy
By Shanika Udawatte
Lands Minister Rajitha Senaratne - one of the sharpest critics of President Chandrika Kumaratunga - has declared a personal ceasefire and offered to open a dialogue with her.

Dr. Senaratne, who had started politics with Ms. Kumaratunga in the Bahujana Nidahas Peramuna, said the decision to hold out a hand of friendship to the President was entirely his and he was under no pressure from anyone.

Explaining the thinking behind his move, Dr. Senaratne said he now saw that the UNF and President Kumaratunga had many things in common on the ethnic and economic issues.

He said he had also reflected deeply on the President's statement as to why the government could not have a dialogue and cooperate with her if it could do so with the LTTE.

The minister said he was ready to forget all grudges or grievances and help prepare the ground for a better political culture or consensus politics. He said he was hopeful the President would invite him for a dialogue.

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