President to Tigers: Lay down arms and come for talks

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday called upon the LTTE to lay down arms and return to the negotiating table, saying he was still willing to offer a political solution to its demand for a separate state.

President in a friendly conversation with the civilians during his unannounced visit to Vakarai yesterday

He made the offer during a surprise visit to the re-captured Vakarai and Sampur areas in the Eastern Province.

The President said he was reaching consensus with political parties in the south and was willing to resume peace talks.

“I want to end this with a political solution,” the President told soldiers and civilians who had gathered to greet him.

President Rajapaksa also called on the International Community to bring pressure on the LTTE to return to the negotiating table and to support his Government's moves to find a political solution to the conflict.

During his two-hour visit to Vakarai and Sampur, the President mingled with civilians and gave chocolates to children. He also visited a newly-opened police station.

President Rajapaksa assured that within two weeks, arrangements would be made to settle civilians in Vakarai with power supplies, transport and medical facilities being provided.

“It is clear that though relief items were sent for the people of these areas, the LTTE used the resources for its benefit,” he said.

The President was accompanied by the commanders of the Army, Navy and the Air Force, Police Chief Victor Perera, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Presidential advisor Basil Rajapkasa.