Aug 23, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government says a solution to the national issue would have been finalized by now if the proposed parliamentary select committee (PSC) to find a political solution was activated.

Leader of the House, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told parliament Wednesday that the PSC would have issued its proposals and reached a solution to the national issue if the Committee was appointed as proposed.

He blamed the non-cooperation of major Tamil party, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in constituting the PSC which in fact delaying the process to find a solution to the national issue.

The Minister made these comments in response to an adjournment debate moved by the TNA Parliamentary Group leader R. Sampanthan.

Minister de Silva said the government is ready to provide a solution to the national problem through negotiation and the President is fully committed for such a solution.

He asked the TNA to negotiate with the government to find an acceptable solution for all communities.

According to the Minister, the TNA should name its representatives to the PSC without further delay if the party was committed to finding a solution.