By signing the present cease-fire agreement, the Wickremesinghe Government intends to call a halt to the escalation of violence and distrust in our land and create a social climate in which co-operation and exchanges among all communities will demonstrate the advantages that peace offers to all our citizens. However, for the security of all concerned, these initiatives will be carried out a step at a time, said Minister of Economic Reform, Science & Technology Milinda Moragoda.

While those outside forces attempt to guarantee a comparative approach, and warn of potential defection, both sides may be expected to act with restraint and prudence to achieve a better prospect for all. The government certainly intends to take each agreed step watchfully, in the expectation of co-operation from the other side, but also with due prudence, the Minister told a seminar on "the public mandate for peace and rebuilding of trust as a prerequisite for conflict resolution", at the Blue Water hotel, Wadduwa. — (NW)