India is of the view that the only solution to the ethnic problem in Sri Lanka is a negotiated political settlement acceptable to all communities, the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukerjee said in a written reply that the government has emphasised to the Sri Lankan government the need to make all possible efforts to strengthen the ceasefire and to revive the political dialogue in order to move the peace process forward.

There have been hostilities between the Sri Lankan armed forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam since the beginning of this year, resulting in serious loss of lives including that of Tamil Civilians, Mr Mukerjee added.