Recently I visited Sri Lanka twice, in fact about 8 out of 15 months.Every where I went viz. police stations, government offices, banks and large billboards, trishaws etc carried peace messages. These messages I saw even in the remote villages of Sri Lanka. I wonder wether such messages are depicted in the Jaffna and the areas the terrorists say they are excercising their power over. I think the Tamil Terrorists are only shamming. I doubt they are holding any Sri Lankan to ransom & slavery, accept those innocent, unfortunate to live under a brutal sway. Give them the choice to live.
RCP Ratnayake

Americans understand religious freedom as separation of church and state. In international law, however, freedom of religion or belief is based on the principle of non-discrimination. Articles 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights define the parameters of "religious freedom" under international law.
Ravin

Article 18. Universal Declaration of Human Rights states as follows:Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
Ravin

the peace process can be resuscitated only if majority of people understand that solution is based on devolution of power under a federal constitution.both the president and the prime minister have the mandate from the sinhalese people.the ltte is also prepared consider a federal set insted of full independence.when the final round of negotiations start musims and christians should be included.in the eyes of the international community sri lanka could become a failed state with need for forein or UN intervention.history often

repeats itself.If india and Pakistan could move towards a political settlement why not sri lanka.SAARC will be like USorEurope

myl rama

When you cannot win in a game some players blame the umpire. Similarly in peace talks when the negotiations or events do not unfold the way one side wants it one can blame

the mediator. Its about time we forget about who the mediator/ facilitator is and concentrate on finding solutions to the issues as soon as you can . Lasting peace will

then come and there will be no more peace monitering

s.sivarajah

GOSL should try to differentiate between buddhist monks and those who are dressed like buddhist monks. Before torching a church at Katwana " about 25 buddhist monks

came to our church and accused of conversions". "There was no action taken following a complaint at that time". Were those who came real or fake monks ? Are there fake monks from a political party trying to disturb peace ? Real monks would never resort to

violence but work for peace. This action is contrary to the recent recommendation by presidential commission on Buddhism. GOSL should control fake monks and bring peace

G.Fonseka

I think the President should seriously consider the "one country two systems" method, as in China since our people are largely divided on communist and capitalist ideologies. I reason that it is best, both systems be allowed to flourish seperately, without one

hindering the other at the expense of the citizens peace, prosperity & progress.

Fredrick