Mr. Samaraweera says war may never be won though battles are won

Leader of the opposition and the United National Party (UNP), Ranil Wickramasinghe praised the troops who were committed to 'safeguard the democracy and constitution' in Sri Lanka.

However, it is high time to urge the authorities to reward the sacrifices by the public for the war, he added.

Mr. Wickramasinghe rejected accusations by military leaders that security forces faced hardships in the battle as a result of the truce signed with the LTTE during his time in power.

Battles and war

Announcing the capture of LTTE stronghold Kilinochchi, Sri Lankan army commander, Lt Gen Sarath Fonseka, said the LTTE made use of the ceasefire to strengthen its military power.

I personally met former British PM Tony Blair, President Bush and former Indian PM Vajpay and they agreed to remove all bans on selling arms to Sri Lanka. Those countries lifted the ban as a result of the ceasefire Ranil Wickramasinghe on accusations that CFA helped Tamil Tigers

"I personally met former British PM Tony Blair, President Bush and former Indian PM Vajpay and they agreed to remove all bans on selling arms to Sri Lanka. Those countries lifted the ban as a result of the ceasefire," Mr. Wickramasinghe said.

Mangala Samaraweera, MP, leader of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (Mahajana Wing) said there have been many military victories during the past 26 years of the conflict between the troops and the LTTE.

"The reality of the war is that you may win many battles but never win the war. The most important tool to win the war is the political solution," he said.

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) also stressed the need of a political solution to end the bloodshed in Sri Lanka.

Tamils' trust

SLMC leader, Rauff Hakeem, said his party would withdraw from the All Party Representative Committee (APRC), if it will fail to agree on a solution by the end of the month.

	WPF says Tamil people wish to live in harmony in a united Sri Lanka

The leader of the Western Peoples Front (WPF), Mano Ganeshan, MP, said the Tamil people in Sri Lanka will not be able to celebrate military victories.

He reminded that the 13 amendment to the constitution which was made law 20 years ago is yet to be fully implemented.

The amendment proposed wide ranging devolution of power including the establishment of provincial councils.

"How can Tamil people believe that they will get a political solution in a country a law is yet to be fully implemented for 20 years?" he questioned.

The Tamil MP stressed that it is the desire of the Tamil people to live in harmony with other nations in an undivided Sri Lanka.