A poll released on the eve of next week's parliamentary elections says most Sri Lankans surveyed want the government to negotiate with the country's separatist Tamil Tigers.
Conducted by the Department of Sociology at the University of Colombo, the poll of 3,173 adults revealed 77.4 per cent believe the best way to end the conflict is through talks between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
It found that 19.6 per cent thought military means were the best way to end the conflict that has raged since 1983, leaving an estimated 64,000 dead.
Just over 60 per cent of those polled said a ceasefire and creation of normal conditions for civilians were important for any talks; 36 per cent said they were not.
The ethnic war is expected to be a major issue in the parliamentary vote on December 5th. The ruling Peoples' Alliance and main opposition United National Party (UNP) have each tried unsuccessfully in the past to negotiate with the LTTE.
The government has rejected rebel demands on a ceasefire and has taken an increasingly hardline stance on the war. It has accused the UNP of treason for its more conciliatory approach to the LTTE.