Colombo: Launching his Parliamentary election campaign, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today (Mar 15, 2004) sought a stronger mandate to complete his Government's "unfinished business" of holding peace talks with Tiger rebels and handling of the economy.

He accused President Chandrika Kumaratunga of sabotaging his efforts by sacking Parliament four years ahead of schedule and forcing an election on the people.

"The main issue at this election campaign is the peace process and the handling of the economy," Wickremesinghe told reporters after unveiling a six-page document setting out his United National Party's programme.

He said the document titled "Completing the People's Unfinished Business" was not a manifesto, but a reiteration of the programme his party had begun after winning the December 2001 Parliamentary elections.

The premier said he wanted to revive the stalled talks with the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and was keen to ensure that the unprecedented break-up in the rebel movement did not lead to fresh violence.

"We would like to ensure that there are no hostilities and armed clashes," Wickremesinghe said. "The rest of the issues to be addressed much later on. We can act only after the elections."

The Tiger rebels split into two groups 12 days ago. However, they have said they want to resolve their differences without bloodshed.

Wickremesinghe said the country faced a "decisive period" and he expected to return to power and ensure the country did not slip back to its ethnic war, which had claimed over 60,000 lives since 1972.

He claimed his administration was able to revive the economy, which had recorded a negative 1.5 percent growth in 2001 and the country was now expected to record an eight percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth this year.

However, the announcement of snap elections had already impacted on the economy and the growth rate would be slower, he said.

"I am seeking a strong mandate so that we can carry forward the work we started in 2001 and ensure an eight percent growth rate is maintained," Wickremesinghe said.

President Kumaratunga in an address to the nation last night expressed regret over having to call snap polls, but said it was needed due to the failure of her attempted political cohabitation with Wickremesinghe.

She said her efforts to work with Wickremesinghe had been "unsuccessful", prompting her decision in February to sack Parliament.

"I sincerely regret having to call a third Parliamentary election within four years," Kumaratunga said, referring to polls held in October 2000 and December 2001.

Kumaratunga said she too would resume peace talks with the Tigers if her party was elected in the April 2 elections, but would change the way negotiations had been conducted.