"The government is of the view that the conclusion of the military operations in Sri Lanka provides an opportunity to make a new beginning and pursue a lasting political settlement in Sri Lanka," External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said while replying to a written question in the Rajya Sabha.

He said the way forward lies in a peacefully negotiated political settlement within the framework of a united Sri Lanka acceptable to all the communities there, including the Tamils.

"The necessity of reaching a political settlement has been stressed to the Sri Lankan government," he added.(DM)