Britain can assist in creating consensus- British MP

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 12 October 2004, 10:29 GMT]
"The ceasefire agreement should be maintained, and it is essential to establish peace. Britain will extend its support," said Graham Allen, leader of the 4-member British Commonwealth Parliamentary delegation that came on an official visit to Sri Lanka last Sunday, political sources in Colombo said. The delegation met with Speaker Loku Bandara at the Parliamentary complex Monday morning. Later the delegation met with Britain-Sri Lanka Friendship Association in the Committee Room, presided over by the President of the association, Mr.Ratnayake, MP.

Mr. Allen told the Britain-Sri Lanka Friendship Association members that Britain has considerable experience in peace efforts can be used to create consensus among the parties to the conflict in Sri Lanka. It is imperative to look beyond the hardline positions and communal passions. Both the Government of Sri Lanka as well as the Opposition should make use of the Norwegian facilitation to resolve the problem, and time is of the essence", he added.

"Peace talks should recommence. And we're prepared to help in this regard, said another member of the delegation," Mr. Austin Mitchell.

Vice-Presidents of the Asssociation, Rohitha Bogollogama, M.P., and Sajith Premadasa, M.P. and Deputy Chairman of Committees Mr. Sachchithananthan were present.

No member of the Government of Sri Lanka was present at yesterday's meeting of the Britain-Sri Lanka Friendship Asssociation.