Negotiations the way forward - Minister Vitarana

Mohammed Naalir

COLOMBO: War is not the solution for national conflicts and all should work in unison to bring everlasting peace, Science and Technology Minister and the Chairman of the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) Prof. Tissa Vitarana said in a message on World Peace day which falls today.

"All Sri Lankans hope for peace. All Parties including the main Opposition UNP participated in the All Party Conference (APC), except the TNA. I think they may join in future," he said in the message.

He said: "The APRC deliberated on the problems which were submitted by the parties which participated in the conference and we exchanged ideas. Through such conferences we will be able to work out some common consensus on the devolution of power. Every problems has a solution, we can solve it through discussion.

"When the problems of the affected Tamil people are solved it will compel the LTTE to negotiate. Everlasting peace cannot be brought by war. It can be done only by discussion. The Government is always ready to start peace talks with the LTTE. The Government is working hard to arrive at an honourable and everlasting peace."