US says only a political solution would end violence

Chief Government Whip and highways minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and at least 13 others were killed on Sunday in Weliweriya at an sports event to mark the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

Accusing the LTTE of carrying out the attack, President Rajapaksa said it strengthened his resolve to eradicate terrorism from Sri Lanka.

No military solution

The US embassy in Colombo said the late minister "was a friend and valued colleague for many Americans".

	Minister and 13 others were killed in Weliweriya on Sunday

Denouncing the "vicious and reprehensible terrorist attack," the US statement stressed that only a political solution for Sri Lanka's national question would put an end to the continued violence.

Offering condolences to the families of Minister Fernandopulle and the other victims, the Australian government has stressed that there is no military solution to Sri Lanka's conflict.

"Australia condemns terrorism in all its forms. The use of terrorist methods by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is completely unacceptable," a statement issued by the Australian Foreign Ministry said.

Australia condemns terrorism in all its forms. The use of terrorist methods by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is completely unacceptable Australian FM

"Australia encourages the Sri Lankan Government and all parties involved to redouble their efforts to develop realistic proposals to support a political solution to the conflict," the statement added.

The EU Commissioner for External Relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, said she was deeply shocked by the "heinous attack".

The EU commissioner has also stressed that the conflict would only be resolved through a negotiated settlement, according to a report in Sri Lanka Defence Ministry website.