NEWSLINKS US EDITION SOUTH ASIA COLUMNISTS DIARY SPECIALS INTERVIEWS CAPITAL BUZZ REDIFF POLL DEAR REDIFF THE STATES ELECTIONS ARCHIVES SEARCH REDIFF
According to the state-run Daily News Wickremesinghe told his Cabinet colleagues that if the row with the president continued in a manner 'that obstructs the peace process and economic development [of the country]', the option of seeking a fresh mandate would have to be considered.
The already strained relations between the two rival party leaders worsened in recent days, with Cabinet ministers accusing President Kumaratunga of various misdeeds while she underlined her unfettered powers to sack any of them. Some ministers are pressing for her impeachment.
The independent Daily Mirror attributed the outburst to the prime minister's inability to pursue his goal of restoring peace and reviving Sri Lanka's battered economy.
"We have a mandate to fulfil these two main aspirations of the people. There is no purpose in continuing in office if we cannot honour the people's mandate," the Daily Mirror quoted Wickremesinghe as telling his ministers.
Tell us what you think of this report
