Let me explain what I understood. Creating an atmosphere conducive to peace talks is not the same as pre-conditions , as you seem to have understood the term. If the ultimate objective of the talks between the warring parties is peace , then it is imperative that both parties go into the process with right and proper attitudes. If they go in as belligerents, the process itself will be one of belligerence. If they go in with peace on their minds, they will achieve peace.
Attitudes are absolutely vital for a successful outcome.
Experts in conflict resolution use the term confidence-building to connote what I have said above. You will no doubt agree that in Sri Lanka today there is an extreme lack of confidence between the Sinhalese and the Tamil people. The mutual distrust and hostility are intense, and sadly, this has worsened over the years. Mr. Pirabakaran not only called for this trend to be reversed with his speech, but he went further. He tried single-handedly to reverse this downhill slide, with his unilateral ceasefire and other goodwill gestures, as a prelude to the peace talks.