EPDP leader calls for 'separate state'

A constituent partner of the ruling PA coalition led by President Chandrika Kumaratunga has called for a "separate state" (Eelam) in the strife-torn north and eastern region raising a fresh controversy.

The Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) has also vowed to campaign for a fully autonomous administrative unit in the north and east with a permanent merger – a demand similar to that of other Tamil parties.

EPDP leader Douglas Devananda, a Cabinet Minister in the PA government, told local newspapers that his party position has been made clear in the manifesto released earlier this week, that he will never give up his goal to achieve a separate state or 'Eelam'.

Posters sprung up this week in the capital Colombo bearing the photograph of Devananda and a section from the manifesto which said one of his party's ambitions was gaining a 'separate state'. Devananda confirmed the posters were put by his party.

The EPDP has declared in its manifesto that it would want the government to seek the facilitation of India and Norway when talks are held at the international level with the LTTE.

One of the salient features in the manifesto is that Eelam under the EPDP should have all powers to negotiate for foreign loans, investments and donations.

"Even at present we are importing cement directly from India, to Jaffna and we are selling it at a nominal price, rather than getting from Colombo at a higher price. Therefore I see nothing wrong in calling for this", he said.

The EPDP's call for talks with the LTTE came as the Tamil United Alliance made a similar demand that talks should be held with the LTTE with international third party involvement.