How many times have you witnessed a company lose their preferred candidate over a trivial point of difference, and then have the company only proceed to compound their problem by settling for their second or even third choice?

FORBES: The #1 Reason Companies Make Bad Hires

Mr Fernando said: "We go on the basis that once they agreed to talks... it was a very significant move by them that they are seriously exploring the possibility of settling this problem other than through their demands for a separate state, " he said.

BBC: Optimism over Sri Lanka peace