Dec 11, Colombo: Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that his government is “firmly committed to work with all stakeholders in promoting a political settlement” while “vigourously countering terrorist threats.” The president made this comments yesterday when he addressed the Official Development Assistance (ODA) Committee of the Upper House of the Japanese Parliament.

President also noted that Terrorism has no place in modern history. He said that it is not an acceptable means of expressing political dissent and there is no excuse for killing innocent children, women and men and terrorize innocent civilians.

He also requested the Government and people of Japan to exert pressure on the LTTE to give up terrorism and come to negotiations in order to find a political solution which will be beneficial to all Sri Lankans.

“We are also firmly committed to work with all stakeholders in promoting a political settlement. Our Government has also mobilized all major political parties including Tamil and Muslim parties to formulate a political settlement addressing concerns of minority communities,” he said expressing hope that LTTE will denounce violence and terrorism and cooperate with all these efforts to work out an acceptable solution.

The President expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan, its people and the ODA Committee for standing by Sri Lanka in promoting peace through development and understanding Sri Lanka’s concerns.