Peace movement formulates own proposals

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 17 February 1999, 10:19 GMT]
The National Alliance for Peace (NAP) announced at a press conference on Tuesday that it intends to formulate its own peace proposals that will then be submitted to the two main political parties, the UNP and the PA.

Professor Tissa Vitarana, a representative of the NAP, told journalists that once the proposals had been finalised a peace-walk and rally will be held on 26th of this month. The peace-walk will begin at 2 p.m. from Campel Park and the rally will be held at 4 p.m. at Hyde Park.

Formed several weeks ago by leading dignitaries of religions on the island, academics and others, the organisation aims to promote peace initiatives to bring an end to the war.

Outlining the steps that had been taken by the NAP so far, Professor Vitarana said that the decision to formulate its own proposals was taken to fulfil the aspirations of the people who wanted to end the war and establish a lasting peace.

Tamil and Muslim political parties also must agree to the steps to be taken to bring about peace, the professor said.

The NAP is of the opinion that discussions must eventually be held with the Liberation Tigers, he added

A delegation of the NAP visited the Mannar and Vavuniya districts recently.

A report in regard to the northern tour would be submitted to the government shortly, journalists were told.

The state-run Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) lead its morning news bulletin with the press conference convened by the NAP.