The most interesting findings are on the American involvement in the Sri Lankan peace process. Many had challenged the sincerity of the Americans. Some shared the opinion that the US just wanted to strengthen their security system. Some emphasized that the reason for America's involvement was due to the rapid development of India and China and they believed that America was searching for a center to block India's and China's development. Another group of respondents has seen the involvement of USA as detrimental. They say that America always creates problems in any country and the US may want to use Sri Lanka as a base for battle against some Muslim countries. Muslim residents in the Eastern province had shown grave concern about the US involvement and expressed fears.

Participants from Western Province have responded negatively to the role played by the United States. They believe that the US was just trying to establish their command over the Asian region and America is operating with the ulterior motive of curtailing India's dominant position in the Asian region, as India is considered to be the most powerful country in the religion closely followed by China. The respondents say USA is involved for their own benefit, to sell their weapons and to control other countries and to establish their command over the Asian region.

The general feeling had been that the US got involved only because they themselves felt the impact of terrorism due to 9/11 attacks and it was also a reason why the US extended its ban on the LTTE. One respondent had said that there is a rumour that Milinda Moragoda and the US president were having a close personal relationship and it was because of this that US is so closely involved in the peace process. There is also awareness among the respondents about the other countries involved with the peace process, namely Japan, EU, Thailand, Denmark, Canada, Ireland, France, Sweden, UK, India and Switzerland. Published: Wed Jan 7 19:54:46 EST 2004

‘‘Defence co-operation between India and Sri Lanka is on the increase. India is training our armed personnel. A Defence cooperation agreement will be discussed shortly,’’ Kumaratunga, who was here to attend the 12th SAARC summit, said. She said Indo-Sri Lanka ties have taken off on many fronts, especially in the areas of Defence and trade. ‘‘The India-Lanka Free Trade Treaty too is working well to our satisfaction,’’ she said.

Kumaratunga, who is also holding the Defence portfolio, said in recent years, India has gradually changed its wait and watch policy after pulling out the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in 1990 following differences with then President R. Pemadasa. ‘‘There is a gradual change of policy in Delhi. It is coming up slowly after India very justifiably approached its relations with Colombo with caution after the IPKF experience. More... Published: Wed Jan 7 21:12:31 EST 2004

At the meeting Minister Maheswaran also urged the United Stated government to lift the ban imposed on the Tamil tiger rebels. However Ambassador in reply told the Minister that the US was not against the Tiger rebels but was only against terrorism. And assured him that if the LTTE ‘accepts certain views’ of the US government, the ban could be lifted.

The Tamil minister also pointed out that if the US holds direct dialogue with the Tiger rebels, it could help both parties attain a better understanding between them. Published: Wed Jan 7 10:59:04 EST 2004