ALSO VISIT

Reports are emerging that suggest the negotiations between Sri Lanka's president and primer minister (from opposing parties) have broken down. Sri Lanka's efforts to achieve peace with Tamil rebels are jeopardized by the governmental infighting. President Kumaratunga took control of the military, as well as the interior and information ministries, when Prime Minister Wickremesinghe was visiting the US in early November, on diplomatic business.

Sri Lanka's conflict with Tamil rebels was eased when a tentative peace deal was brokered through Oslo. Tensions within the government stem from the Prime Minister's party victory over the President in the 2001 elections. President Kumaratunga may call for Parliamentary elections this spring, four years ahead of schedule, in order to craft a political solution to the crisis. Supporters of the Prime Minister have called the President's actions in seizing cabinet controls a de facto coup and warn of the lingering threat to democracy, and to the peace process. [For More: STI]