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By then we hope to finalise a poverty reduction and growth facility (PRGF) from the International Monetary Fund which will provide the initial support to underpin a macro economic framework for engaging international aid.

Anyone who tells you that we can re-build the North and the East or drag the South out from its poverty trap without international aid understands little about the seriousness or the depth of the problem. So, last year was about building a foundation to the peace process. It was about engaging the international community and building an international safety net. It was also about starting to build the trust that had been so lacking for the past twenty or more years. It was also about trying to do all this on a non-partisan basis - a seemingly impossible task in our deeply divided society.

But there is much more to do. We have only just started the trust building measures. Still we eye each other with caution where once suspicion prevailed. That is progress, but both sides should not seek to hurry into a relationship that is not built on trust and mutual respect.

Sadly, we also have to build trust within our own Government. The people made a momentous choice when they threw a PA President in to work with a UNF Government and Prime Minister. For the first time in our short history of independence the people barked a sharp message. Work together or else. It hasn't been easy but the people have given us a unique chance to change the political landscape of our country.

The Prime Minister and I have held meetings with the President. On my part to brief her on the work in the negotiations and for the Prime Minister to discuss the issues and the many approaches available. We must hope that, rhetoric aside; this approach might build into a solid momentum that drives the peace process to a successful conclusion. For we must all realise that neither of the two major political parties in this country can solve this problem alone, regardless of who holds office at a given point of time.

Last year the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister began the work of transforming the military. We are pleased to have the support of many countries in this respect. International assistance can only help to build a better, more professional force to meet the needs and challenges of the 21st century.

Meanwhile, we have much work to do to keep the momentum of the peace process moving forward. As a Government we shall have to be much better at communicating what we are doing and what the process entails. We have allowed our detractors to remain unanswered on too many issues. Regrettably on many of those issues the criticisms are easy and shallow whilst the explanations are deep and complex.

Take the question of the LTTE disarming. I cannot think of single case where peace has been achieved through negotiations that either side disarmed before a final outcome was reached. The trust simply isn't sufficient at the moment and the battle scars have still to heal completely. Until these things happen neither side will want to drop their guard. To argue otherwise is naive in the extreme.

An example of this comes with the recent controversy of the High Security Zones. We wish to protect our soldiers in these sensitive areas until more trust has been built. But the LTTE wish to see the original residents return to their homes. Until the trust is built and we can find practical solutions to this problem then only time will resolve the issue.

Likewise, we have to see that the ceasefire agreement becomes inviolable. At the recent talks we set up mechanisms to work on this. The SLMM have done a commendable job of monitoring the issues but the time has come to see where the violations occur. Unfortunately, it appears that too many of them are caused by the LTTE. These especially include charges of child conscription, and extortion. The international community too has begun to put pressure on the LTTE in this regard. The Prime Minister's international safety net means that we no longer have to face these challenges alone. In any case unless these incidents come to a halt, the level of trust between the two sides will always be marred.

In January when the Government and the LTTE met in Thailand, a committee was appointed which was made up of the Defence Secretary, the LTTE Eastern Commander and the head of the SLMM. Their task will be to study the monthly SLMM report and to identify the issues and report back to the plenary session. I hope that both sides can work hard together to eliminate these serious infringements to the peace process.

In the months ahead I expected the Norwegians will continue to be attacked by our detractors and no doubt the Japanese will also find themselves under criticism. Is this a Sri Lankan trait or a fault of just a few? By now any serious observer will have seen that we plan no surprises, we seek no divisions and we welcome the involvement of all our people.

Our biggest challenge is yet to come. For we have to manage expectations. The people want a permanent peace and settlement quickly. But many think we already have peace at hand and are prematurely euphoric but we must exercise caution and be realistic about the length of time it will take to achieve a lasting peace. It is unrealistic to expect major breakthroughs and good news at every session and every meeting in the peace process.

We must expect setbacks from time to time - two steps forward and one step backwards. Our detractors should realise that for most complex problems, there appear to be simple solutions which are most likely unworkable. While a diversity of views is a prerequisite in democracy, inherent in the meaning of democracy is unity, not divisiveness, and that there are shared values and interests for the good of the entire nation first and foremost. Therefore, I would urge those who oppose the peace process to express their views with responsibility and maturity.

In other quarters it is felt that peace alone is not enough. Some say, "we can't eat peace" and they are right. Already their needs are greater. They want three square meals, jobs, education for their children, safe streets from crime and good health. All these things come at a price. Without peace our economy will never bring us prosperity. But without prosperity we cannot be sure of peace.

Step by step we are solving these issues. But the peace process is not the end. It is simply the means to an end. With peace we have to re-build our society, we have to banish the hatred and seek tolerance, we have to feed our people and bring them jobs. Most of all we have to bring equity and justice for all Sri Lankans within a responsible society.

Today we have a unique chance. The world is with us. The two parties to the conflict are talking and the people are telling us the politicians to work together. As Ernest Friedrich, a German who was bold enough to stand against the tyranny of Hitler once said, "I know not of enemies on this side or that, I know only of human beings".

For the sake of the people of Sri Lanka now is the time for this Chamber to unite in the common cause of peace.

Mr. Speaker, thank you.

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