Britain stresses the need for a negotiated settlement

British Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Dr. Kim Howells, who arrived in Colombo on Tuesday, is to meet government officials and civil society representatives.

The minister is to reiterate UK's strong support for a negotiated settlement to Sri Lanka's ethnic conflict, a statement issued by British High Commission in Colombo said.

"I hope that my visit will build on the meeting between British Prime Minister and President Rajapakse, and the recent visit to Sri Lanka by Rt Hon Paul Murphy," Dr. Howells was quoted in the statement.

	President Rajapaksa paid a surprise visit to UK last year

Sri Lanka President Rajapaksa made a surprise visit to UK, where he met Prime Minister Blair in August Last year.

The leaders discussed Sri Lanka's peace process and related issues, it was announced.

"I will be particularly keen to discuss what the international community can do to help create the conditions necessary to allow peace talks to resume," Minister Howells said before the arrival.

Dr. Howells is to travel to eastern Sri Lanka on Wednesday.