Mahinda Rajapaksa was democratically elected as Sri Lanka's executive President. Under the powers vested in him, he can appoint whoever to do whatever job - including appointing his brothers to positions which demand absolute loyalty and probity. In a developing nation such as this, these considerations must be taken into context.

The opposition attracted around 10,000 supporters to their rally - in contrast the President attracted some 25,000 in key cities..

The President has his own strategy to overcome the LTTE and the electorate in ever increasing numbers, believes it to be working.

Despite the hurdles, like the impact on the economy, the people of Sri Lanka appear to support the President in his quest to force the LTTE to the negotiating table.

The country is largely safe , the unstability is confined to the North and North East. The security in place has ensured peace in the rest of the island - making it safe as houses even for international cricket matches.

Faraz Shauketaly, ColwynBay, North Wales, UK

Despite the war in the North and East, Sri Lanka is probably safer to travel than many other destinations. This is simple statistical fact and the media hype fear phsychosis created is vastly exagerated. I feel much safer walking on the streets of Colombo, Galle, Kandy, and going to any match here wearing my Rolex watch than I would feel at the Oval or Johannesburg.

One more thing - I really don't think there will be a test at Galle in Nov/Dec - the ground is most unlikely to be ready as they are still laying the grass and not yet rebuilt toilets/dressing rooms etc after the Tsunami devastation.

Mohammed Abidally, Colombo, Sri Lanka

I think Sri Lanka is a safe place for the forthcoming English tour. The LTTE has been weakened greatly by the Sli Lankan forces. Afterall, England should not give into terrorism, as remarked by the newly elected prime minister. If the tour is cancelled, it wiill be a moral boost to the terrorists, irrespective of the country they hail from. The visiting English team can be provided with the maximum security by the SLA forces, with the assistance of the British intelligent and secutiyy forces.

Sampath Amarasinghe, Nugegoda/ Colombo, Sri Lanka