The Sri Lankan government and the rebels are close to an agreement

COLOMBO, Feb. 27 (Xinhuanet) -- The Sri Lankan government and the rebels are close to an agreement on a mechanism to coordinate post-tsunami relief and reconstruction in the north-east, the Sunday Observer reported on Sunday.

"The two parties have almost agreed on the mechanism, except onthree or four issues," according to the well informed sources of the negotiation process on the joint mechanism.