evidence: Unprecedented in their recognition of Tamil grievances and aspirations, the 1995 proposals were welcomed by many persons and groups committed to substantial devolution. They were fiercely opposed, however, by sections of the Sinhalese majority community. Considering their parliamentary majority of one, the government was nervous of this opposition. It was not surprising, therefore, that when the proposals were spelled out in greater detail, various changes were included to appease majority opinion. Along with the ongoing war against the LTTE, these changes did much to undermine the promise of the August 1995 proposals. [...] ‘The aspiration of the entire Sri Lankan populace is that the current national crisis centred around the north and east be brought to a peaceful, just and honourable settlement ... The first task is ... a new approach predicated on unqualified acceptance of the fact that the Tamil people have genuine grievances for which solutions must be found. [...] • To give recognition to Sinhala and Tamil as official languages, to accord equality of status to these languages, and to recognise English as a link language;