Tiger Tamer

Soo

n after taking over as Prime Minister in December 2001, Ranil Wickremesinghe lifted a long-standing government embargo that had impoverished the LTTE-controlled north and east. Opponents accused him of endangering national security, but the gamble paid off. Three months later, the rebels, in part encouraged by his gesture, signed a formal cease-fire. TIME's Aravind Adiga met with the PM at his official residence in Colombo.

TIME: The peace talks have been stalled since April. Is the LTTE serious about ending the bloodshed?
Wickremesinghe: The fact that they have given a detailed set of proposals—for the first time in the history of the LTTE—means they want to start talking. They want to do business. It's also going to be a tough negotiation. It can break down once or twice.

TIME: Some fear that the LTTE is using the cease-fire to strengthen itself.
Wickremesinghe: There's no sign of the LTTE getting ready for war. We've also allowed the Sri Lankan army to build up. We've discussed the matter with the commanders of the armed forces, and they're confident they can handle any eventuality.

TIME: How strong is the opposition to the peace process?
Wickremesinghe: You've got to expect that a segment of the population wouldn't support the peace. We face obstacles, but in the end, we'll get there.

TIME: Can Sri Lanka regain the economic ground it lost because of the war?
Wickremesinghe: There's no question that the conflict has cost us. We missed the IT boom, but we can get into the IT-enabling services market, especially in the financial sector. There are also niche markets in hardware and software we can enter.

TIME: Is the current boom benefiting only the rich?
Wickremesinghe: The benefits go beyond the rich to different strata of society. But the economy must grow even faster, so everyone benefits.

TIME: Is this Sri Lanka's last chance for peace?
Wickremesinghe: The international community has been fully supportive of the peace process this time. They might not come back the next time.