The president's discussion with Tamil parties ended on a positive note.

  The initial discussions between the President and the Tamil Party leaders ended on a positive note. Tamil Party sources said that they discussed matters relating to political prisoners, land issues, and the anti-terrorism bill to be introduced shortly. One party leader said they were hopeful that the president would proceed with an acceptable plan and resolve the issues relating to places of worship in the Northern Province. He said the discussion would continue for three days.