Prof. Tissa Vitharana, peace activist and advisor to the Ministry of Science and Technology, who was in the delegation said that the civilians pointed out that there were unfair restrictions on them. Among them was the ban on transporting cadjan for roofing purposes. Despite repeated Government denials that the food situation was satisfactory in the LTTE-controlled areas, Prof. Vitharana said they felt there were food shortages in the region and that medical and education facilities were also lacking. The LTTE representatives had reiterated their leader Prabhakaran's position that they were willing to have a negotiated settlement to end the ethnic conflict. The visiting delegation said that they would continue their efforts to bridge the gap between the south and north as they felt that majority of the people were in favour of a peaceful settlement to the conflict.
Presidential diversion costs Rs.
The reason - the A 340 Airbus which usually flies this sector was diverted yesterday to Montego Bay, Jamaica to bring back President Chandrika Kumaratunga and her entourage. President Kumaratunga, Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar and party were in Jamaica to attend the G 15 Economic summit. The special presidential flight is said to be the first trans-Atlantic trip by an AirLanka airbus. Party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe told a joint meeting of the UNP parliamentary group and the working committee that if any party was to tread the path of democracy there had to be a self critical attitude. He said the UNP should accept responsibility for two main election-related charges levelled against it malpractices at the Jaffna DDC polls and the referendum to extend the life of parliament in 1982.