The Eastern Province’s largest Tamil political party, now with the UPFA Government, said yesterday it would not campaign for President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the upcoming Presidential Election. The decision was taken by the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (Tamil People’s Liberation Tigers) headed by Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan on Friday night.

Three leading Commonwealth nations – Britain, Canada and New Zealand -- are spearheading a move to deny Colombo the privilege of hosting the next summit. They have raised strong objections on the grounds that civilians were affected during the final stages of the military campaign against Tiger guerrillas.