India stresses 'necessity' of political settlement to Sri Lanka

India has stressed to the Sri Lankan government "the necessity" of reaching a political settlement acceptable to all the communities there, including the Tamils.
   
"The government is of the view that the conclusion of the military operations in Sri Lanka provides an opportunity to make a new beginning and pursue a lasting political settlement in Sri Lanka," external affairs minister SM Krishna said while replying to a written question.
   
He said the way forward lies in a peacefully negotiated political settlement within the framework of a united Sri Lanka acceptable to all the communities there, including the Tamils.
   
"The necessity of reaching a political settlement has been stressed to the Sri Lankan government," he informed.
   
India has taken several initiatives to provide humanitarian relief assistance to IDPs (Internally Displaced People) and civilians affected by the conflict in Northern Sri Lanka, including 5200 tons of shelter material and 70,000 agricultural starter's packs.