A Labour MP raised a question on Sri Lanka in British parliament

The "only realistic way" to solve Sri Lanka's national question is to fully implement the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA) signed in 2002, he told British parliament on Wednesday.

Tony Blair was responding to question raised by Keith Vaz, Labour MP representing Leicester East constituency on "tragic situation unfolding in Sri Lanka".

Prime Minister's questions

Keith Vaz raised a question in the parliament on Sri Lanka's situation at the Prime Minister's questions.

Can the Prime Minister use his good offices to persuade all the parties and factions to recommit to the agreement made in 2002 so that the escalation in violence can be curtailed and peace and tranquillity can return to this beautiful island Labour MP Keith Vaz

"Can the Prime Minister use his good offices to persuade all the parties and factions to recommit to the agreement made in 2002 so that the escalation in violence can be curtailed and peace and tranquillity can return to this beautiful island?" MP Vaz questioned.

Tony Blair agreed that the issue in Sri Lanka, where over 4000 killed and hundreds of thousands displaced over a 15 month period, "is a very serious one".

The British PM said he understands "the difficulties" faced by Sri Lanka government.

Sri Lanka's difficulties

"We have said to them (Sri Lanka) that we will do all we can to help but my right honourable friend is right to say that the only realistic way to get a solution is to come back to the 2002 agreement and make sure that it is implemented," he told Westminster parliament.

In a surprise visit to Britain, President Mahinda Rajapaksa discussed Sri Lanka's situation with Tony Blair in September, last year.

	President Rajapaksa made a surprise visit to UK in September

Several representatives from UK authorities visited Sri Lanka in fact finding mission thereafter.

"I know that he will also agree that terrorism and violence can never be the way to achieve a negotiated solution," Tony Blair added.

The Norwegian brokered February 2002 CFA has internationally been hailed as a breakthrough after decades of bloodshed.

But the Sinhala political leaders have criticised the deal as biased towards Tamil Tigers.

In an interview with BBC's Roland Buerk, President Rajapaksa said the CFA was "a mistake".