The Ranil - Chandrika
Liam Fox Agreement
1997
"I believe that we both recognize that the resolution of the ethnic conflict
will restore peace in Sri Lanka and lead to the development, progress and
prosperity of the country and its people. It is an issue transcending partisan
politics. The development of a genuinely bi-partisan approach to the resolution
of the ethnic conflict is vital to the achievement of a permanent solution to
the conflict.
"Consequently, I would like to suggest the following arrangements between the
People's Alliance and the United National Party which I intend to put to the
appropriate decision-making body of my party for ratification.
"The incumbent Head of Government will brief and seek the opinion of the
Leader of the United National Party on significant developments relating to the
ethnic conflict, both in the strictest confidence; if in Government, the Leader
of the United National Party will reciprocate; the party in opposition will not
undermine any discussions or decisions between the party in Government and any
other party, group or person, including the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam,
aimed at resolving the ethnic conflict, if these discussions and decisions have
taken place with the concurrence of the party in opposition; against the
background of such concurrence, on election to Government either party will
honor all such decisions in full."
Signed
Charika Bandaranayaka
Ranil Wickramasingha
April 04, 1997
