There is evidence of human rights abuses by both sides, some of them brutal and deadly. The international community is responding with large amounts of humanitarian aid, but little is being done to facilitate a solution to the conflict. While the delegation heard Sinhalese voices calling for a clear military strategy as the best solution to defeat the LTTE, and while there are charges that the LTTE has not always negotiated in good faith and has committed heinous acts of terrorism, negotiation seems the only viable road to peace. The present government has tried earnestly to pursue peace with the LTTE, but the approaches and expectations by both sides differed and failed. If the government is to succeed in another effort at negotiations, it must receive the support of Sri Lanka's political opposition parties.
Outside help is needed to bring the parties to the negotiating table.
Assistance is needed in the form of facilitators, not mediators. The best role for the church is that of building a spiritual base on which to promote peace. An appeal by Christian leaders to the best values of all the religious voices that make up Sri Lankan society would be a great gift to all the people of the country.