Sept 14, Colombo: Leader of the Sri Lankan parliament, Irrigation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva has said that the work of the proposed parliamentary select committee (PSC) on finding a political solution to the ethnic issue has been delayed by the major Tamil party Tamil National Alliance (TNA).

De Silva during a meeting with visiting United States Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert O. Blake, who arrived in Colombo Wednesday for a three-day official visit, has discussed the process of finding a political solution to the ethnic issue and has said the TNA's failure to name representatives to the PSC has delayed its work.

The discussion between the Minister and the visiting US government official was mainly focused on the progress of the PSC process.

De Silva however has explained to Secretary Blake that the PSC could commence its deliberations even now if the TNA nominates its representatives to the committee.

Blake also met with the Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris at the Ministry for a discussion of developments since their last meeting in Washington, D.C. in March this year.

The Minister has briefed the US official on the progress of the development activities in the North and the resettlement of the remaining displaced people, and rehabilitation of the remaining former combatants.

The US official also held meetings with the Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, TNA party leaders, other civil society leaders.

U.S. Ambassador-designate to Sri Lanka Michele J. Sison had also attended the discussions.

Blake is scheduled to participate in a function at the American Chamber of Commerce in Colombo to deliver a speech on "Strengthening U.S -Sri Lanka Economic Ties".