The Government declares that it will not recommence peace talks on the basis of the ISGA proposals submitted by the LTTE.
Timeline of events under "Peace talks" issue
Peace talks resume in Geneva, but fail over the LTTE’s demand that the government reopen the A9 highway to the Jaffna peninsula that was closed in August 2006.
LTTE and Government delegations arrive in Oslo for 2 day talks.
After a meeting with Tiger leaders, Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen reports that he had failed to achieve a breakthrough.
Tension mounts in the Sri Lanka's Eastern Province following the killing of five Muslims, allegedly by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Analysts observe that Muslim extremism appears to be gathering momentum in the eastern parts of the island. As the LTTE is being blamed for the killings, the peace process between the government and the LTTE comes under further strain.
The LTTE suspends its participation in peace talks, claiming it is being marginalised, and citing grievances over the truce agreement and lack of assistance for Tamils.
The sixth round of peace talks between the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE takes place at Hakone, Japan between 18-21 March 2003, amid growing security concerns. The parties agree to strengthen the mandate of the SLMM, discuss the commitment to developing a federal system and a roadmap on human rights.
The LTTE threatens to pull out of peace talks following the sinking of one of their vessels by the Sri Lankan navy.
The fifth round of talks between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE takes place in Berlin, Germany from 7 to 8 February. Inter alia, progress of SIHRN and underage recruitment by the LTTE are discussed.
The fourth round of peace talks takes place in Thailand from 6 to 9 January. Talks focus on the deliberations of the Sub-Committee on De-escalation and Normalisation, formulation of a plan for an Accelerated Resettlement Programme for the Jaffna district and human rights and child recruitment issues.
The third round of peace talks between the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE is held in Oslo, Norway from 2 to 5 December. The government and Tamil Tigers reach agreement to share power within a federal structure. Several federal systems of government are considered by both parties.
31 October to 3 November. Second round of peace talks commence between the Government and LTTE in Nakorn Pathom, Thailand.
16 to 18 September. First round of direct talks between Srilankan government and the LTTE began at the Sattahip naval base in Thailand on 16 September 2002.
A Government team led by B. Goonetilleke, head of Peace Secretariat, travels to Kilinochchi for initial talks with S.P. Tamilselvan, head of the Political Wing of the LTTE. Discussions centre on the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement and public transport on the A9 highway.
Norway agrees to act as facilitator in the peace process, with Eric Solheim taking the lead.
