Our Policy on Peace Negotiations

"As a step towards ending the conflict, the UPFA is making a sustained and serious effort to engage the LTTE in comprehensive peace negotiations to end the war, develop the North and East and address the grievances of the minority communities, in a way that will fulfil the reasonable aspirations of the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities.

Immediately after the formation of the new Government in April the Norwegian facilitators were requested by me to attempt to recommence efforts for Peace negotiations. They have been in contact with the Government and LTTE for this purpose.

It is clear from these contacts that both parties are committed to maintaining the Ceasefire and resuming negotiations of a political nature. We have also been able to find a coincidence of interests on several issues related to the conflict in the North and East.

The two parties are still working out what the next round of peace negotiations should be about. The LTTE would like the talks to focus only on proposals to set up an Interim Authority while the Government has indicated the need to engage in discussions on a permanent solution to the conflict, while prioritising the need to agree on the structures of the Interim Authority and on the urgency to set it up. Over the past several weeks we have been in the process of resolving issues about the substance of the agenda for peace negotiations.

This delay in agreement on the agenda reflects the complexity of the Peace negotiations, which in a democracy requires developing a consensus among diverse political viewpoints. It also indicates that we are taking negotiations very seriously and want to prepare for it in a thoughtful manner. We must also recall that we are starting political talks after a gap of more than a year. While the two parties have not yet reached agreement about how to proceed, the Government will approach the issue of the content of the next round of talks in a principled and prudent manner.

We are seeking an effective compromise to the problem of how to deal with the long-term importance of a lasting political settlement to the conflict and the short-term need to urgently develop the North and East.

We have spent many years discussing what the most appropriate political solution to the conflict in the country will be with many political parties. The LTTE has not been a part of this discussion in the past. We are committed to having a political dialogue with the LTTE about the contours of a lasting solution. We know that it is only such a political solution that can ensure a just and stable peace in the country.

At the same time, as a responsible Government, we take very seriously the urgent need to undertake effective development work in the North & East, and are willing to explore with the LTTE interim political measures that can address this need within the contours of the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the country.

Peace Structures

Peace Secretariat - In the past two months, my government has restructured and revamped the peace related institutions. We have placed the Peace Secretariat under a new professional leadership to carry out the complex technical task of implementing the ceasefire and supporting the process of negotiations. The ceasefire is an important basis for the continuation of peace negotiations and we want to make sure that we have done everything to make all parties fully adhere to it.

Development - We are strongly committed to relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction as a priority for the war-torn North and East of the country. As a reflection of the commitment of the Government, I have taken on the responsibility of this Ministry. We have restructured the previous RRR structures that existed under a large number of unconnected Ministries and governmental structures and brought them under one roof. My officials are in the process of visiting the North and East to explore areas where immediate relief measure can be taken, to ensure that concerns of people affected by the war can be addressed without delay.

National Advisory Council on Peace and Reconciliation - Since the UPFA promised to conduct transparent and inclusive negotiation, I am initiating a broad-based national forum – the National Advisory Council on Peace and Reconciliation (NAC) – that will provide a means for the people of the country to contribute to a political settlement and work towards reconciliation. I will convene the NAC which will include political, religious and social leaders in the country to ascertain their views on how to bring peace, democracy and development to the country. The NAC will serve as a forum for :

a. Explaining to the country the Government’s efforts to bring Peace,

b. Briefing the country on the progress of Peace negotiations,

c. Obtaining the views of all concerned parties and groups, and

d. Promoting reconciliation and understanding among the different communities.

- We will establish a continuing dialogue with all political leaders of the various communities and groups represented in Parliament. This consultation will proceed parallel to talks between the Government & LTTE with the objective of keeping the country informed of the progress of talks with the LTTE on one hand and of conveying to the LTTE the views of all concerned parties.

- negotiating team will be nominated from among senior Cabinet Ministers, after dates for talks are agreed upon.

- A National Council for Peace will be the apex body that will coordinate these four institutions. This will be chaired by President. "

Click here to read the full text of the speech