Minister Kabir Hashim refuted allegations by several 'Joint Opposition' politicians that the 'high level' talks between Sri Lanka and India on a land connection have almost been concluded.

Speaking at a meeting in Kegalle yesterday, Hashim said that he never said such a thing during the recent trip to Indonesia.

National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa claimed recently that Hashim had commented on the talks between India and Sri Lanka on a land connection while he was in Indonesia. "Kabir Hashim said that the high level talks on a tunnel are almost complete" Weerawansa said.

UPFA MP Udaya Gammanpila later said that if the two countries are linked by a bridge, he will even consider blowing it up.

Kabir Hashim claimed that the 'Joint Opposition' is misinterpreting what he said. He was asked about the bridge at a conference in Indonesia and he only said that there have been talks on various matters, but not concerning a bridge, Hashim added.

Hashim said that he also told the conference that a bridge might be good for trade, but it is a political decision and no such decision has been taken as of now.