The High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in New Delhi, Mangala Munasighe, told BBC Sandeshaya that visiting Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga was given assuarance by the Indian leaders that the country does not oppose the deal with the LTTE.

Sri Lanka’s Sinhala nationalists challenged the United Peoples’ Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government to call a referendum to seek public opinion on the proposed tsunami relief mechanism.

The government's coalition partner Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has threatened to resign from the coalition if the government go ahead with the plan to create JM.

Should the government establish the JM? Or should it listen to JVP and the monks?

Please not that this forum is now closed.

The LTTE are not the sole representatives for Tamil people in Sri Lanka. They are in it for themselves now. The Sri Lankan Government are representatives for the people of Sri Lanka (Singhalese, Tamils, Muslims etc). There is not need in having two sides looking after this. The whole country (inclu LTTE) should come together to support the Govt's efforts to distribute aid evenly to all people affected.
Sian, Sydney, Australia

As usual your panel who selects the comments is very partial. These are not the general sri lankan's view. No reason to send my comment. As always you suck.
Hemantha Aranwela, Grand Forks, USA

Mrs. Kumaratunge was appointed as president of Sri Lanka by the people of the country. She must call a referendum before she decides to launch a joint michanism. Sri Lanka is not a coutry of her own or her parent's property.
Dayaratne Bandara, Riyadh

The Government should listen to the people and establish the JM. It can ensure justice to the people affected in the relevant areas. Now the Government should prove its will for sharing. UNP should support the JM if they are truly committed for a solution for the countrys ethnic conflict.
Subhashinie Perera, Sri Lanka

As public anger is building up over establishing of joint machanism with LTTE, chandrika as the people's president should seek the consent of General public or the parliamentary consent.
Jerram Ravinath, Hounslow, UK

The ground reality is that the country is divided and there are two governments. The question is whether we want to facilitate unity or separation. Joint Mechanism can promote unity. Unity is possible only by sharing not by theft or robbery.
Ram Mohan, Perth, Australia

It is great to see that the government and LTTE are prepared to work together to lift the lives of tsunami victims. To obtain a lasting peace UPFA and JVP have to forget their ridiculous ideas. Lets not forget that JVP led two brutal riots in the past. Ethically JVP shouldn't be making decision for the future of Sri Lanka.
Robbie Peris, New Zealand

All Tamil Terroist controlled areas should be rebuilt by the terroist themselves.People dont own land people belong to the land. Terroism and peace cannot work together.
Senaka Dutugemunu, New Zealand

The JM is only a small step in furtherance of this ground reality which could eventually ensure that the country does not get divided. If even this meagre JM is opposed by the South, the demand of the Tigers for separation will seem justified in the eyes of the international community including India.
Swaminathan Palendira, Australia

President Kumaratunga has promised a lot but so far (almost 10 yrs) has achieved nothing tangible in her presidency. I do not think she will manage to implement JM, so the Monks, JVP and JHU do not need to worry so much.
Shan Mylvaganam, UK

I am not certain what is in the Joint Mechanism. People of the North East need aid. They need to rebuild their lives too. Since most of them live in an area where the Government of Sri Lanka has no control over, it's only fair the aid delivered by foreign groups go to the people who do have control in that region. It would be naive to think that the LTTE would allow the Government of Sri Lanka into the land many sacrificed their lives to get control of.
Gayathri, Toronto, Canada

It is really disappointing to witness the state of mentality of people who oppose JM. The JM has given the country new hope where we could work together towards prosperity.
Bimal Gunawardena, UK

Lets not forget that Ms Kumaratunge is the elected President of Sri Lanka, not the fasting monks. Since the 2 parties invovled lack trust in eachother, the JM should be mediated by an international third party. SL is a multiethnic and multicultural society, its time the monks respect the mendate given by the people to the politicians of the country
Jay Gunawardena, USA

The country went through a national tragedy and at this point in time we should put our differences aside and work together to reconstruct it. As a significant part of the island is under the control of LTTE,it is really important to have a proposed joint mechanism.
Ranjan, Singapore

Aid could be distributed by Government machinery functioning within the LTTE areas. What donor countries must do is to force the LTTE to agree to such aid distribution rather than forcing a legitimate government to kneel down before a terrorist outfit.
George, Kalutara, Sri Lanka

SriLankan government has not done any developments or improvements in the North & East of the country for last 55 years. If government thinks that Srilanka is only for Sinhalese & Buddist then JM is very important to develope the Tamil area by themself.
Visaga Ravi, London, UK

Why negotiate with terrorists? Sri Lankan goverment should be smart enough to realise that the deal will ruin the countries reputation. JM is not the solution Sri Lanka need, and if UNP is elected they will give half of the country to terroists!!!!
Rukshan Edirisinghe, Kandy, Sri Lanka

The JM is the first time a Tamil representative i.e. LTTE and the Gov. of Sri Lanka are going to come together in administering and disbursing 'Foreign Aid' to develop and reconstruct areas devastated by the Tsunami. I cannot understand why some chauvanistic Sinhalese should be worried by this?
Chris, London, UK

LTTE has a history of collecting funds through various ways in various countries secretly e.g. through Hindu Temples, Cultural Activities, Tamil Film Shows etc. Major portion of Tsunami Funds might be used by LTTE for their terrorist work. The organzation cannot be trusted.
Thurarajah, Toronto, Canada

There is no doubt LTTE will first build its depleted assets such as bunckers, roads, offices and ports with these funds. So what's after JM in year's time? When will the killings end for peace to be establish? It is quite foolish for LTTE think they are on the high ground on the JM, if the lull continues they will face restless cadres itching for war as they were trained.
Ravi, Ottawa, Canada

Its up to the politicians to make decisions, not monks. Lord Budha taught peace. But these monks demonstrating to stop the aid reaching the affected. Hindu priests never interfered politics. so i advice monks stop these dramas or either join the army and be a martyr.
Kanahai Gupta, Melbourne, Australia

Most of those who oppose JM fail to realise that it is only a facility to provide relief to those affected. It is not a concession to LTTE without whom no relief is possible. One should accept the fact that the LTTE has its own territory which it controls whether one likes it or not. Ratnam Nagaratnarajah, Sydney, Australia

Has anyone thought of what will happen to either parties(GoSL & LTTE),and more importantly the people living in the affected areas, if the joint mechanism doesn't go through?!
Dharshanie, Colombo

I watched over the TV that the Indonesian Govt; authorities are barring even the relief workers entering into the "Banda Aceh" regiom without proper escort and the permission of the armed forces. I never heard that there is a JM or similar agreement with the Banda aceh separatist & the Indonesian govt. But the Sri Lankan president shamelessly decided to sign an agreement for JM with the separatist movement and the declared terrorist organisation by the US government, jeopordising the sovereignity and the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.
Ajith, London, UK

We as tamils do not want any help from the government. LTTE has proven that they are self sufficient on their own. GOSL showed that the Tamils don't belong in Sri-Lanka. Does any one think, if it wasn't for the LTTE military strength, the GOSL is willing to negotiate ?.
Soma Pradeep, Cayman Islands

What we need is an efficient way to deliver the aid for tsunami affected citizens. Why the JVP have failed to provide a better and more efficient proposal to directly help in the re-construction efforts? Can the JVP or the GOSL work in the north and the east without cooperating with the LTTE? Dont forget the goal of the project is to help the victims and not the LTTE. As Sinhalese we have to show that we care for our Tamil brothers.
Srimevan, Lincoln, USA

The LTTE are not the sole representatives for Tamil people in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Government are representatives for the people of Sri Lanka (Singhalese, Tamils, Muslims etc). There is not need in having two sides looking after this. The whole country should come together to support the Govt's efforts to distribute aid evenly to all people affected.
Sian, Sydney, Australia

It is sad that the humanitarian aid for Tsunami victims is used for unconstitutional changes in Sri Lanka. All fair minded people would like to see the aid distributed according to the needs of the people affected irrrespective of their race or religion but the LTTE is capitalising on the Tamil peoples misery for their own ends with the help of the Norwegians.
Prisam, London, UK

It is the best move government has made and I hope they will promptly implement the JM for the sake of those people who are undergoing untold misery after the tsunami.
Nama Yogasakaran, St Albans, UK

The government should go ahead and establish the JM. It helps the people affected both by war and Tsunami. Further it gives a chance to build confidence meassure betwwen both parties.
Ananther Boopathy-Bala, Wiesbaden,Germany

It's easy for someone in Australia, Canada, UK or even Colombo to say forget about the JM, it just gives into LTTE but what about those that affected by the War and Tsunami? Who will speak on their behalf? JM was proposed to bring relief efforts and life building essentials to North Eastern Provinces and rest of Tsunami damaged Island, that claimed lives and lifes of Sri Lanka's most under priviledged, the poor people that live on the coastal areas and rely on the Ocean for everything else. Why cant we all have a heart and say let those effected get the aid they need, why so much fuss?
Thula, Toronto, Canada

Although I feel that aid should be distributed amongst everyone who needs it, I think that the JM is a bad idea. The prospect of JM is threatening both national and international confidence in the government. Surely the govt. can distribute aid throughout the country without implementing something so controversial?
Sonia Douglas, Kitakyushu, Japan

Even though it is 5 months overdue, I think it is fantastic that the govt and LTTE are working together. The country needs more of these trust building mechanisms to facilitate peace talks which should lead to lasting peace. I hope Chandrika has the courage to drive it through.
Gane, Colombo, Sri Lanka

The Government of Sri Lanka has a duty to provide aid to the people living in LTTE held ares if they want to prove that they have not forgotten them. If the GoSL ignores the people living in LTTE held areas in their aid effort they are merely adding weight to the LTTE's claim that they are the sole representatives of the Tamil people.
Morquendi, Colombo, Sri Lanka

The fundamental issue here is not about the technicalities of the JM itself, but the manner in which it is going to be implemented. The Europeans had a vote on the EU constitution. How come the Sri Lankans are not allowed to decide whether or not they want the JM by means of a referendum. All the opinion polls show that the overwhelming majority of the people are against the JM.
Chin Dayaratne, Melbourne, Australia

Why negotiate with terrorists? Sri Lankan goverment should be smart enough to realise that the deal will ruin the countries reputation. The best is to co-operate with other countries of the world and cut out all resources for LTTE. JM is not the solution Sri Lanka need, and if UNP is elected they will give half of the country to TERRORISTS!!!!
Rukshan Edirisinghe, Kandy, Sri Lanka

It is time to forget the past and move forward as Sri Lankans! This is a wonderful oppotunity to build trust and cooperation between the long divided races to join forces to build the country.
Raj, Milwaukee, USA

I honestly dont see what the fuss is about. The joint mechanism is just giving legal recognition to an already existing situation. What most people oppose about the structure is the fact that they think that it will give the LTTE parity of status. What they dont understand or know is that the LTTE already HAVE parity of status as per the terms of the ceasefire agreement. Anyway what is the alternative? War?
Ayeshea Perera, Colombo, Sri Lanka

The country went through a national tragedy and, at least at this point in time, we all should put our differences aside and work together to reconstruct it.
Ranjan, Singapore

I feel that instead of fighting among our selves we should urge the doners to understand that LTTE is a terrorist organisation and that Sri Lanka is not devided yet and that the government should be able to recontruct & rehabilitate any area in the country.
Niroshini Fernando, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Joint Mechanism implementation is essential not because Sri Lankan government wants it or not wants it. It is very essential to relive and rehabilitate the people of North and East of Sri Lanka who were severely hit by Tsunami one (more than two decades of Sri Lankan arms atrocities) and Tsunami two (December 26th, 2004 Tsunami).
Esan Satkunarajah, Toronto, Canada

Tiger Terrorists may be ruling only 2% of the country. There are people from all ethnic groups in the elected government. It is odd to have a Joint Mechanism(JM), but it is a mode for a reconcilliation between terrorists and a legitimate government. But it needs to be proof read for any loop holes for a nasty seperate state.
Champ Mendis, Melbourne, Australia

Joint Mechanism? What next - will the LTTE be allowed to bring in 'relief' to 'their' areas using 'their' aircraft ? Come,come, how naive? Let's not fall for another Tiger con.Join hands to help all Sri Lankans affected by Tsunami. The Tiger held areas are, in reality very small. Let them not hold the innocent Tamils,Muslms and Sinhalese affected in the North and the East, to ransom with their thuggery. Why the double standards? Coalition against Terror for the Western World, and nurture,and foster terror in Sri Lanka!
Jayantha Silva, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Joint Mechanism with LTTE is not a good solution. Government of Sri Lanka has the responsibility to do the necessary rehabilitation throughout the Tsunami effect areas. One reality is LTTE is controlling the major part of north and some part of east. The other reality is GOSL is still supplying the basic needs for the people who live in those areas. LTTE must realize this and should be more flexible.
Gamini, Winnipeg, Canada

It is great to see that the government and LTTE are prepared to work together to lift the lives of tsunami victims. To obtain a lasting peace UPFA and JVP have to forget their ridiculous ideas. Lets not forget that JVP led two brutal riots in the past. Ethically JVP shouldn't be making decision for the future of Sri Lanka.
Robbie Peris, Auckland, New Zealand

The ground reality is that the country is divided and there are two governments. The question is whether we wamt to facilitate unity or separation. Joint Mechanism can promote unity. Unity is possible only by sharing not by theft or robbery. We need harmony not peace or war.
Ram Mohan, Perth, Australia

Sri Lanka is one country and hence it is wrong for any donor country to pressurise the government to work on JM with terroists. In my last visit to Sri Lanka after the Sunami I realised terrosists are ruining the country and they do not allow the government agencies to reach the people affected from sunami living in North and South. It is a waste of time and waste of resources attempting to discuss with terroists whether it is in Sri Lanka or Thailand or any other country. Lets respect every country's sovereignity.
John Collin, Pattaya, Thailand

JM is fantastic its good to share evenly but the point is with whom? terros? no at all who robbed roof sheets and make bunkers. Are they the only people living in that part of the country. What happend to the Muslims, sinhalese and others?
Saman, Essex, UK