Countries should not dictate to Sri Lanka: Rajapaksa

Asked about the March deadline set by Cameron, he said, Sri Lanka cannot do it. “Be fair to us and help us. Nobody should dictate.”

“You have to respect our views, be fair to us. You must not try to divide communities,” Rajapaksa said in an apparent reference to Cameron's remarks. Rajapaksa, who has faced international criticism, said he had a responsibility to his people.

“We have set up a Parliamentary committee that has representatives from all parties. Give us time,” he said.  

“We respect Commonwealth values, human rights and freedom of media that is why we held elections in the north. We have a Parliament. We have appointed a select committee. We have asked people to suggest a solution. One person cannot do it. I cannot do it,” the Sri Lankan President said.