Power talks with Ranil on: Kumaratunga

the SAARC summit. Her decision to take over the powerful Defence portfolio triggered a political crisis with Wickremesinghe a few months ago.

She said talks with the LTTE have been stalled since March last year due to problems between her and Wickremesinghe.

8216;8216;The prime minister has decided he doesn8217;t want to do the peace process, unless he gets the Defence portfolio back lock, stock and barrel,8217;8217; she said. 8216;8216;The Constitution stipulates that President was the sole authority to exercise Defence powers in the country,8217;8217; she said.