Sri Lanka Peace Support Group
c/o Bates, Wells & Braithwaite
Solicitors
Cheapside House
138 Cheapside
London EC2V 6BB.
10 January 1997
A PROPOSAL FOR THE
RESOLUTION OF THE
NATIONAL CONFLICT IN SRI LANKA
The framework document enclosed has been prepared
by a team of constitutional lawyers at the initiative of a group of concerned academics,
professionals and the clergy from the international community, with the purpose of
providing a basis for the parties in the current conflict in Sri Lanka to negotiate a
political settlement.
Copies of the document were sent to the President
of Sri Lanka and to the Leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. [TEXT OF
LETTERS]
Throughout their long history, the destinies of
the two peoples of Sri Lanka have been closely entwined. Though distinct in culture,
language, nationhood and in the possession of their own established homelands, and though
there has been much rivalry and conflict in both ancient and recent times, there is also
much in common in their heritage by virtue of the shared encounter with European
colonialism and the long shared experience in the many institutions which evolved under
the colonial aegis.
The unitary constitutional arrangement which was
left in place by the withdrawing colonial power has frustrated and distorted the natural
and legitimate wishes of both parties, Sinhalese people as well as the Tamil people, to
express and promote their distinct identity and nationhood, and has been the primary cause
of the large scale and sustained civil war in the Island. Our proposals for a resolution
of the conflict as stated herein will truly give both parties their just rights and enable
them to live without fear and hatred in their traditional homelands.
This document is therefore drafted with the
conviction that fundamental and far reaching changes to the constitutional arrangement are
essential for conflict resolution and cessation of military activities in Sri Lanka and to
pave the way for a peaceful co-existence in the Island.
The co-operation and support of all concerned is
welcome.
Sri Lanka Peace Support Group
10th January, 1997
