Feizal Samath

Two years into a ceasefire and peace negotiations between the government and the Tamil Tigers have not yet brought the promised peace dividend to the region.

Even as President Chandrika Kumaratunga set up a committee for a free media, the state media has been described as a set of musical chairs reflecting on the way it has been used by the country's two political parties.

In an unprecedented move that left Sri Lankans stunned, President Chandrika Kumaratunga fires three ministers. However, analysts say this will not have an impact on the ongoing peace process to end a protracted conflict with separatist rebels.