Mar 19, Colombo: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says there is no military solution to Sri Lanka's ethnic conflict.

In a reply to a letter from MDMK chief Vaiko, the Premier said, “The way forward lies in a peacefully negotiated political settlement within the framework of a united Sri Lanka acceptable to all communities, including Tamils.”

The interests of the Tamils in Sri Lanka was of particular significance to India in the country's dealings with the island nation, he said.

"It is with this in mind we have welcomed as a first step, the intention of Sri Lankan Government to fully implement the '13th amendment' to its Constitution to give some powers to Tamils," he stated.

On the Sri Lankan Navy's arrest of Indian fishermen, he said, "The welfare and safety of the country's fishermen has been the nation's persistent goal. Whenever necessary, the government has taken this up on a priority basis with Sri Lanka. We have impressed on the Sri Lankan Navy to act with restraint and treat Indian fishermen in a humane manner."