The minister emphazies that the topics of public debate should be, among others, the economic and social well-being of the people, ethnic and inter-religious harmony, culture, measures to tackle corruption, strengthen transparency and good governance, law and order, the environment and international relations. According to the new guidelines the state media should help to project views on the kind of Sri Lanka in which people would like to live and to facilitate the expression of such views from the widest cross section of the people of Sri Lanka. When The Lanka Academic questioned if he would be able to achieve his objectives during a short period as a caretaker media minister, Kadiragamar said, “ Some one got to try it and some one got to give a start to it. I am hopeful” Published: Mon Feb 9 13:31:01 EST 2004

The Independent Television Network, which comes under the purview of President Kumaratunga, also claimed today evening that several political parties have requested Ms. Kumaratunga to prevent ministers contesting the forthcoming elections with their powers, staff and official vehicles.

The parties have also claimed that a fair election cannot be expected with such powers and vehicles vested to these ministers. Currently there are more than 100 UNF Government Ministers. They include Cabinet Ministers, Non-Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers. They will definitely be using some official vehicles, staff drawing government salaries and also security officers for their election campaigns and other antics, the pro opposition political parties have reportedly told the President. Published: Mon Feb 9 11:25:14 EST 2004

It was its second largest drop ever, after plunging more than 20 percent in the first two days after the November crisis.

``This is totally an unethical, immoral and undemocratic move ... causing incalculable damage to the economy and the nation,'' Cabinet spokesman G.L. Peiris said Monday, referring to Kumaratunga's decision.

He said the move would have a ``disastrous effect'' on a crucial aid review meeting set for Feb. 17 in Washington, where donors will decide on disbursement of US$4.5 billion pledged to help rebuild Sri Lanka - .

Rebel negotiator Balasingham said the president's move ``constitutes a grave setback to the peace process.''

``The decision to seek another mandate from the people clearly demonstrates the fact that the Sinhala political leadership lacks the political will and vision to resolve the country's burning issue the Tamil national question,'' he added, referring to the majority Sinhalese ethnic group.

Balasingham called on Sri Lankans to support those who ``are seriously committed to peace and peaceful resolution of the Tamil ethnic conflict.'' He also pleaded to international donors for humanitarian aid for minority Tamils, most of whom live in the war-shattered northeast.

The rebels have been pushing for direct access to donor money.

The Tigers launched a violent campaign for a separate Tamil homeland in 1983, claiming discrimination at the hands of the Sinhalese majority.

Nearly 65,000 people were killed before the truce was signed in February 2002.

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Tamil Net: http://www.tamilnet.com Published: Mon Feb 9 18:48:12 EST 2004