According to the survey opinions are divided on federalism and there is little support for asymmetric federalism, amnesty or a rotating presidency. The survey points out that when confronted with specific trade-offs in the peace process, Sri Lankans are remarkably accepting, for example, while Sri Lankans are divided on removing High Security Zones and the de-commissioning of LTTE heavy weapons, a majority accepts both proposals, when they are tied together. The Survey reveals that the strongest opposition to the peace proposals is concentrated not in the south but in the north central and north western regions bordering the LTTE controlled territory. Opposition to the peace process is strongest in the JVP and the SLFP while there is surprising diversity and strong pockets of support even among them.

Another interesting finding is that support for multiple peace proposals increase and decrease with age and income. Sri Lankans and especially the Sinhalese think that economic benefits are the most likely results of peace. However, those who think that peace will bring a reduction in violence, greater personal security and increased individual freedoms are much more likely to support multiple proposals for the sake of peace. Published: Mon Jan 5 19:59:49 EST 2004

He said Lunstead told him that Washington would not lift the ban until the Tigers stop recruiting child soldiers and carrying out political killings.

The rebels are accused of killing dozens of military informants and recruiting children since a cease-fire was signed in February, 2002, after 19 years of fighting that left about 65,000 people dead.

The Tamil Tigers are outlawed in the United States, Great Britain, India, Canada and Australia.

The U.S Embassy announced Monday that the U.S. government will donate a 64-meter (210-feet) coast guard vessel to Sri Lanka - 's navy. Published: Mon Jan 5 13:05:37 EST 2004