The Sri Lankan government’s decision to unilaterally withdraw from the internationally backed ceasefire agreement with the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) brokered by Norway was met with concern and regret from foreign governments and international organisations.
Whilst all the countries were unanimous in declaring that there is no military solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, unlike the United Nations and an array of western states, India pointedly refrained from expressing regret or concern at Sri Lanka’s decision to withdraw from the ceasefire agreement.
Also, unlike western states, India along with Japan expressed confidence in President Mahinda Rajapakse submitting devolution proposals in the near future.
United States
The United States, one of the co-chairs of peace process facilitated by Norway, said it was troubled by Sri Lanka's decision to end a 2002 cease-fire agreement with Tamil Tigers.
"Ending the cease-fire agreement will make it more difficult to achieve a lasting, peaceful solution to Sri Lanka's conflict," said a statement by State Department spokesman Sean McCormack.
"We call on both the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam to avoid an escalation of hostilities and further civilian casualties."
"All parties to the conflict share the responsibility to protect the rights of all of Sri Lanka's people," the statement further said.
Norway
Norway which brokered the ceasfire agreement in February 2002 and facilitated the peace process regretted the government’s decision in statement released by the foreign ministry.
“I regret that the government is taking this serious step," Eric Solheim said in a statement released by Norway's foreign ministry. Solheim, Norway's government minister in charge of the environment and international development was instrumental in bringing about the ceasefire agreement.
"This comes on top of the increasingly frequent and brutal acts of violence perpetrated by both parties."
Solheim said: "It must be made clear that the responsibility for peace on Sri Lanka lies with the parties, if they don’t want peace, there’s very little Norway can do."
Canada
Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier also expressed deep regret over Sri Lanka’s decision.
"Canada deeply regrets the decision of the government of Sri Lanka to withdraw from the 2002 Ceasefire Agreement," Bernier said in a statement.
"Withdrawal from this important agreement will make the search for a durable political solution more difficult, and only increases the likelihood that the incidents of violence being carried out by both sides will increase," he said.
"We remain deeply concerned about the impact of the escalating violence on civilians, humanitarian workers and human rights defenders. Violence will not produce solutions, it will only bring more tragedy to the people of Sri Lanka," Bernier said.
"We call on all parties to respect human rights and to work urgently toward political solutions that will bring peace to Sri Lanka," he said.
Australia
Reacting to the Sri Lankan government announcement, Australia warned Sri Lanka it was taking a backwards step by withdrawing from its ceasefire with the Tamil Tigers.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said he was concerned by the decision.
"This is a step backwards which Australia fears could lead to further escalation of violence, including against civilians," he said in a statement.
"I appeal to all parties to the conflict to protect the human rights of all Sri Lankans."
Mr Smith further said that ‘Sri Lanka's conflict cannot be resolved militarily’ and ‘only a negotiated settlement can bring lasting peace’.
"I urge all involved parties to submit to democratic processes and the rule of law and to work towards a political solution that meets the aspirations of all Sri Lankans." He added.
France
France also expressed its regret over the Sri Lankan government decision and urged Colombo to improve its human rights performance.
"[Junior Foreign Minister] Madame Rama Yade expressed France's regrets faced with the rupture of the cease-fire signed in 2002. She recalled it was more than ever time for dialogue and a political solution, the only option capable of guaranteeing a fair and lasting peace in Sri Lanka," a statement said.
India
Although India did not issue a formal statement on Sri Lanka’s withdrawal from the ceasefire, Indian External Affiars Minister Pranab Mukherjee, during an interaction with reporters, said there could be no military solution to the island nation's problems which have to be addressed by fulfilling the ''legitimate aspirations'' of ethnic groups.
''Military solution is not the solution. Solution has to be found through dialogue and discussion,'' he said
At the same time, he said, India condemned terrorism, for which it has a policy of ''zero tolerance''.
Mukherjee added India was encouraging the Sri Lankan government to resolve the problem through dialogue and implementation of a devolution formula and the ''legitimate aspirations'' of all people should be fulfilled within the ''arrangements in Sri Lanka within its territorial integrity and framework of Sri Lankan constitution''.
Mukherjee said ''some steps'', including evolving a devolution formula, have been taken towards fulfilment of the aspirations of various ethnic groups.
Mukherjee further pointed out that a committee appointed by President Mahinda Rajapakse on devolution was going to submit its report shortly. ''We want those steps should be taken to logical conclusion.''
Japan
Japanese Foreign Minister, Masahiko Koumura, said Tokyo was deeply concerned that the Sri Lankan decision may lead to the escalation of the conflict by way of increased level of violence and greater civilian casualties, and leave the peace process at a standstill.
Japan further said it expected a devolution package, "in line" with Sri Lankan President Rajapakse's previous commitment.
United Nations
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also expressed regret and said he is "deeply worried" as withdrawal from the accord comes amidst increasing violence across the country.
He urged all parties to ensure protection of civilians and humanitarian assistance to people in conflict-affected areas. He also underlined the urgent need to end the bloodshed through a political dialogue.
