JVP escalates campaign against aid deal

Colombo: A key member of Sri Lanka’s coalition today announced a stepped-up campaign to force President Chandrika Kumaratunga to withdraw a tsunami aid-sharing deal with Tamil Tiger rebels, as a sit-down protest by monks entered its second day. The Marxist JVP, or People’s Liberation Front, said it will stage a rally in Colombo on Tuesday. The JVP has vowed to sacrifice the coalition if Kumaratunga goes ahead with the deal. — AFP