Monday, June 27 2005 21:25 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Backing efforts by the Sri Lankan Government to consolidate the peace process, India today (Jun 27, 2005) hoped that the recent tsunami aid-sharing deal signed by Colombo with the LTTE would strengthen democratic process in that country.

"We hope that the implementation of the mechanism will strengthen democratic process and uphold pluralism in the North and the East of Sri Lanka," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna when asked about the Post Tsunami Operational Management Structure (P-TOMS) agreed to by Colombo and the LTTE.

India, he said, steadfastly supports the efforts being made by the Government and people of Sri Lanka to consolidate the processes of peace and development in the island nation.

He said, "India's support for a comprehensive negotiated settlement acceptable to all communities, and reflecting the pluralistic nature of Sri Lankan society, within the framework of a united and democratic Sri Lanka, remains undiluted".

New Delhi has shown understanding and support for Colombo's efforts for a joint mechanism, which has been stiffly opposed by JVP (Janatha Vimukti Peramuna), which broke away from the coalition Government on the issue.

Sarna said India was firmly opposed to violence and conflict as a means to resolve this issue.