Colombo, Nov 19: Anton Balasingham, a moderate leader of the Tamil Tigers, who persuaded the guerrilla group's hardline leadership to enter peace negotiations with the government will return to Sri Lanka to assist with talks early next year, a pro-rebel web site reported today. Balasingham, who lives in London, has not publicly commented on Sri Lankan politics since April when the rebels withdrew from the peace process demanding broader administrative powers in the northeast where most of Sri Lanka's 3.2 million Tamils live.
Balasingham represented the rebels in the last round of peace talks held in Japan in March.
Tamilnet, a pro-rebel web site, today said that illness had forced Balasingham, 64, out of the peace process. He suffers from diabetes, coronary conditions and had a kidney transplant.
"Deteriorating health compelled him to take several months of rest this year," but he "is now well enough to resume his duties" and will travel to rebel-held northern Kilinochchi town in January to hold talks with rebel leaders, Tamilnet said.

Bureau Report