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| Tuesday, 02 November 2004 |
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| Final solution should be within framework of sovereign, united Sri Lanka by Ranil Wijayapala The final solution to the ethnic question based on any form of power sharing should be through a Constitutional amendment and fall within the framework of a sovereign, undivided and united Sri Lanka, President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga emphasised yesterday. Addressing the maiden meeting of the political committee of the National Advisory Committee on Peace and Reconciliation at the BMICH yesterday President Kumaratunga noted that the country has arrived at the most opportune time to reach a consensus to end the country's most vexed problem. Explaining the objectives of convening the political committee of the NACPR President Kumaratunga said through the committee the Government will have a full knowledge of the views put forward by the political parties represented in Parliament. "The deliberations at the political committee will influence the Government, but, will not hinder the ongoing discussion with the LTTE on peace negotiations though the Government has yet to start discussions with the LTTE at the negotiation table", President Kumaratunga added. She said the political parties can express their views freely and openly within the political committee and they will be kept secret. Explaining the objectives of the political committee, President Kumaratunga told the representatives of political parties that the committee would provide a forum to discuss the ceasefire agreement and the way it has been implemented and the type of political solution to end the ethnic question of the country. She observed that war is definitely not the option when finding a solution to the country's ethnic question . "We do not believe in the destruction of life. We do believe in the sanctity of life", President Kumaratunga added. In her opinion, on the issues that are to be discussed at the meeting President Kumaratunga said the committee should look at the root causes where discrimination of minority communities had occurred, when finding a final solution to the ethnic question. "Resolution to the problems faced by minority community should be sought while protecting the rights of other communities including that of the majority Sinhala community", the President added. She also said political parties should reach a consensus on the type of final solution based on power sharing at this forum. "The final solution whatever it may be should be compatible with protecting the basic human rights of people", President Kumaratunga added. The final solution should protect the cultural traditions and political pluralism. President Kumaratunga said the committee will also be able to discuss the issues relating to rehabilitation and reconstruction of the devastated North and East. |
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