Solution to N-E issue only through talks, consensus: PM

by L.B. Wijayasiri

A solution to the North and East issue could be found only through negotiations and consensus, said UPFA Presidential candidate and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse.

Rajapakse who was unable to attend the UPFA election rally in Nawalapitiya due to the bad weather, in a speech relayed over the telephone, said his visit to Jaffna has confirmed of his belief and hope in finding a solution to the North and East problem through negotiations and consensus, rather than trying to solve it by the gun, bullet and the bomb.

"This is the wish and hope of people of Jaffna too," he said. "The hope and confidence in the people of Jaffna too with regard to the ethnic conflict is the same as those of Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims in Nawalapitiya and throughout Sri Lanka," he said.

The people in Jaffna have not kept any confidence in the gun or bomb culture. Our Governments led by President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has done a lot to solve the masses' problems. I undertake to continue that service with more vigour and enthusiasm and solve problems like unemployment and cost of living etc," Rajapakse said.