BJ - The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord signed on July 28, 1987 completed its 20th anniversary recently. Does the accord still have relevance?

MR - It is necessary to understand that subjective conditions have changed since this accord was signed 20 years ago. The situation in the east of Sri Lanka has changed significantly with the government being able to liberate it from the LTTE. There is also the decision of the Supreme Court which held that the temporary merger of the north and east carried out under the accord was not legally valid. It is necessary for us to respect the views of the highest judiciary of the country. Also, while we can see these changes, there is one unchanged factor still in place which the accord sought to change. I refer to the fact that the LTTE is still carrying arms and threatening the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. They have not abandoned the demand for a separate state within the territory of Sri Lanka.

As to the relevance of the accord, there was a symposium held in Colombo to mark 20 years of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord where many interesting points were made by Indian and Sri Lankan analysts about the success and failure of this agreement. It is necessary to view the accord in the context of the many changes that have taken place since it was signed. What are the lessons to be learnt from the accord? I think the most important lesson is that we should not let things develop in Sri Lanka which would require the intervention of even our best and closest neighbour. We should learn to resolve our own disputes within our country. Another lesson is the need for a more inclusive democracy in our country where no section of the people is left out of the structures of power. We should be able to better manage inter-communal relations among our people and provide all sections of the people with the necessary constitutional guarantees. They should not feel excluded from power or discriminated against.

BJ - Do you seriously think peace in Sri Lanka is possible in the near future?

MR - Yes, I think peace is possible in the near future. Of course, with this dispute dragging with more than two decades of violent conflict, there can be a question of what is meant by the near future. But I think peace is not far away. My government is consciously working towards peace. I think it can be achieved sooner than many think it may be possible.

BJ - How do you achieve it?

MR - There are many approaches possible for peace. We shall have to settle for the best. It must suit the aspirations of the Tamil people who are at present held in bondage by the LTTE. Whatever solution that we find must have the overall acceptance of all the people of Sri Lanka. This is where consensus, understanding and give and take are required.

BJ - Some feel your stress has been more to look for a resolution of the conflict at the military level and not so much at the political level. Is that correct?

This is totally incorrect. I do not believe or seek a military solution. I firmly believe in the need for a political solution. But one must not forget that the enemy I face is fully armed. It believes in violence and terror. It has shown no serious interest in a negotiated political solution. In that situation, I am duty bound to defend my country and its people. There are situations when a military response is needed for armed attacks on the government, its property and the people. That does not mean I seek a military solution.

BJ - How do you go about the devolution package where aspirations of people in the north and east are realised?

MR - As I have repeatedly stated, it is my policy, and also in keeping with the mandate I have received, to bring about the widest possible measure of devolution which will meet the aspirations of the people in the north, the east and rest of the country. We must be aware of the aspirations of all our people, and work towards a solution that will reflect those aspirations. We must not be unfair towards any section of the people. When our policies are based on justice and fair-play for all, I think we can bring about the best devolution for the country and the people.

BJ - You have been insisting that India has to get involved in the peace process to make it workable at some time or the other. But given the political realities in New Delhi, do you think this is feasible in the next few months or years?

MR - I believe in the important and useful role that India can play in helping resolve this crisis. I am also aware of the political realities in New Delhi. I cannot blind myself to these realities. I cannot set a time-table for when India can get involved in the peace process here. But I fully appreciate how India has acted to control the activities of the LTTE in Tamil Nadu which has been reported in recent months. Such co¬operation is most encouraging.

BJ - Is LTTE the cause or the effect of the decade long ethnic strife in Sri Lanka?