COLOMBO, Nov 5: Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga said on Wednesday she was compelled to take over three vital ministries in the interest of national security.

Addressing the nation a day after she sacked three ministers, Ms Kumaratunga tried to squash speculations that the takeover was politically motivated.

She said she would continue negotiations aimed at a peaceful settlement to the ethnic question and assured the nation that the interests of minorities would be protected.

Explaining the reasons for Wednesday’s actions, the president said: “The disturbing developments of the past few months culminating in the events of the last days and the ineffective steps taken by the administration to ensure national security have led me to take the view that firm and steadfast action is necessary to remedy this situation.

“I have accordingly decided to take over three areas of government in which I feel urgent corrective action is necessary, namely, the ministry of defence, the ministry of interior and the ministry of mass media, which have an immediate impact on the security situation, while ensuring the media full freedom of expression.”