Sri Lanka on red alert to prevent suicide bombings

Police said they feared LTTE may target military installations or carry out suicide bombings in the country during the "heroes’ week" of the Tamil Tigers.

While the government geared up all its security agenciesto prevent violence in Colombo, the highlight of the event was expected to be LTTE leader V Prabhakaran’s speech, which he delivers on November 27 every year a day after his birthday.

The elusive guerrilla leader would turn 46 this year.

This year his speech, which he delivers over the clandestine LTTE radio, was expected to focus on his recent meeting with Norwegian peace envoy Eric Solheim.

During the meeting, Prabhakaran reportedly expressed his willingness to settle for unconditional peace talks with Sri Lankan government.

Prabhakaran’s speech is expected to provide clarificationon certain issues raised by President Chandrika Kumaratunga. In her recent speech in Parliamant, Kumaratunga had said that she would take a decision on negotiations after receiving clarifications from Norwegians.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar said there is no suggestion for inviting India to play the role of a facilitator between Sri Lankan government and Tamil rebels to end the two-decade-old ethnic conflict.

He told state-run Sunday Observer

newspaper that India was "well contented" with the facilitator role played by Norwegian government to kickstart peace talks between Sri Lankan government and LTTE.

"There is no suggestion that India should be invited to play any other role such as a faciliator. India is well contented with the role that Norway is paying at the invitation of both the government of Sri Lanka and LTTE in that respect," Kadirmagamar said.