In April 2003 these peace talks came to a stand still, because of a few points, e.g. the provisional self-administration of the Tamil regions through the LTTE, on which no consensus could be reached. Despite the tense situation and the differences between the negotiating parties, both sides are trying to take up the peace talks again.

The core questions, distribution of power and the assurance of minority rights, were only briefly mentioned but at no point particularly discussed. The Muslim population groups and the upcountry-Tamils have not been included in the discussions, despite the fact that in the East of the country, conflicts between Tamils and Muslims have been on the increase. In addition to this, those non-government Organisations (NGOs) who have been active in the peace process have allowed this theme to be ignored to a great extent.

The year long revolution and the mutual mistrust and prejudices with which it is connected acts as a barrier for such sensitive and critical questions as decentralized power and federal structures.

While the Tamil minority hopes for autonomy to a large extent, the Singhalese majority sees this as a threat and fears the loss of its own rights. The secret content of the peace talks is seen by many as a good reason for mistrust. Many Singhalese fear that a great part of the land could be given to the Tigers. A large number of families see their ability to determine their own lives threatened.

Particularly at this time where the peace talks are faltering but not hopeless GEKODEM supports the peace process. In the existing process GEKODEM sees dangerous gaps, particularly in the themes of power sharing, federal structures, as well as in the integration of the whole Sri Lankan population. GEKODEM likes to help close these gaps together with NGO’s and civil associations.