Later Premadasa himself initiated dialogue with the LTTE which went on for more than a year.

BBC: The road to peace in Sri Lanka

If the LTTE is to pull out at any stage it will have to come up with another reason.

ECONOMIST: The Tigers talk peace

It says the LTTE's failure to understand the changing tactics of the security forces eventually led to their defeat.

BBC: Leak reveals India Maoist threat

Still, despite the LTTE's past efforts to kill off moderate Tamils, the Tamil community is not lacking in political parties or leaders.

ECONOMIST: The uncertain future of Tamils in Sri Lanka

Kumaratunga has said she would offer the constitutional changes to the LTTE in order to open fresh negotiations to end the war.

CNN: From Our Correspondent: Stand Up and Be Counted

Sri Lanka continues to experience strong economic growth, driven by large-scale reconstruction and development projects following the end of the 26-year conflict with the LTTE.

FORBES: Sri Lanka

Anton Balasingham, its chief negotiator in Thailand, said more plainly than any top LTTE official has, so far, that it would settle for something short of independence.

ECONOMIST: The Tigers talk peace

He did not dwell on recent bans on the LTTE by Britain and Canada, or the military stalemate between the rebels and the government, which sharpen the incentive to talk.

ECONOMIST: The tiger comes out of his lair | The