Colombo, Dec 01: A fresh round of talks aimed at resolving the power struggle between Sri Lanka's warring President and Prime Minister ended today without a breakthrough, pushing the island closer to a snap poll. Official sources said the four-member committee named by President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe met again today to hammer out a cohabitation arrangement for the two leaders, but failed.
"They agreed to meet again, but there was no breakthrough," a source close to the President said.
However, the committee will arrange a meeting between the President and the Prime Minister later this week.
The political turmoil saw the Colombo Stock Exchange shed 2.7 percent at close of trading today. Brokers said investors were worried about prospects of a snap poll.
Sources close to both sides said they could not rule out a dissolution of parliament anytime after voting on the national budget on December 18.
Allocations for President's office was approved by parliament today despite fears that the government move to cut her votes, officials said.
Bureau Report