§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the prospects for a resolution of the divisions in Sri Lanka following the recent elections; and if he will make a statement. [139416]
§ Mr. HainWe are appalled at the devastation and misery caused by the conflict in Sri Lanka.
During my recent visit to Sri Lanka on 22 and 23 November, I was able to meet, among others, many Government Ministers, the opposition leader and figures from minority parties. I got the impression that most people are war-weary. I noted that there now seems to be a willingness to take the peace process forward. We urge both sides to work with Norway to achieve a peaceful resolution of the conflict through negotiation. The Secretary of State made the same points to President Kumaratung when they met on 28 November.
We stand ready to help, in whatever way we can.