At yesterday's discussions the TNA demanded the government to respond in writing within 10 days to their three immediate proposals on the structure of governance for north and east regions, allocation of subjects and functions to the provincial councils and the issues relating to fiscal and financial devolution.
In response the government has said that "it certainly is not possible, nor is it consistent with the national interest at this stage, to make a final pronouncement on crucial issues, hastily and without wider consultation."
The Tamil party has threatened to withdraw from the talks with the government on power devolution if the government fails to step up the pace for a meaningful resolution.
The warning is seen as a hardening stance of the party, once considered as a proxy party of the terrorist group LTTE, following its victory in the Tamil dominated areas at the local government elections held last month.
The Secretary of Long Term Reconciliation Committee, Parliamentarian Sajin Vas Gunawardena has said the ultimatum delivered to the government by the TNA is similar to the attitude portrayed by the Tamil Tiger terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for peace talks.
"The demand is not helpful or constructive for the purpose of carrying forward in a structured and methodical way, a process which can reach a positive outcome, only if it has the widest possible support among the public," the MP has said.
Pointing out that the TNA does not solely represent the Tamil community, Vas Gunawardena has said that the government has now decided to proceed with the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee.
"It is the appropriate forum for a discussion in which all the representatives of the people can participate with a view to identifying the constitutional reforms that are needed as the country emerges from the anguish of terrorism and faces with courage the challenges of accelerated economic and social development," the MP has said.
He has said that the Government hopes that all political parties, including the TNA will participate in the process.
Another member of the government's negotiating team, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said the government representatives at the talks have pointed out the importance of carrying forward the discussions as the government is genuinely involved in resolving the problems of the people in the north.
The Minister has said that It has become possible to find a solution by safeguarding the identities of all ethnic groups and preserving the territorial integrity through the initiatives of a parliamentary select committee.
" It is imperative to come into an agreement by discussing in depth the numerous opinions of various parties. The outcome should be a solution which enhances national unity," the Minister has said.
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