A separate Tamil state has been confirmed as an impossibility by a senior Government Minister.

Sri Lankan Health Minister and Leader of Parliament Hon. Nimal Sripala DeSilva says that a separate state is “out of the question and absolutely non-negotiable”.

The minister’s statement comes amidst escalating violence in the country despite a ceasefire agreement (CFA) signed by the warring factions in 2002.

In the most recent incident at least 64 people were killed and another 80 injured in a bomb blast on a bus in the government-controlled Anuradhapura district this morning. Government forces are alleged to have responded with air strikes on areas controlled by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LLTE).

The LTTE have denied responsibility for the bus attack deeming it “senseless violence” and a “reprehensible act of murders.”

The incidents are the latest in a string of CFA violations by the government, the LTTE and paramilitary and LTTE breakaway groups.

Mr DeSilva asserted that the first and foremost breach of the 2002 CFA was by the LTTE.

He urged the Liberation Tigers to come to the negotiating table, pointing out that President Mahinda Rajapakse’s government is “completely open to the maximum devolution possible within a united Sri Lanka.”

He added “our neighbouring state India, and the rest of the International community including the U.S. are against separation. Devolution, yes, but not a separate state.”