He was addressing the SLFP youth front in Jaffna town.

Perera said the Tamil-speaking people have a problem due to the language they speak, but that using that problem to make the country a pool of blood again should not be allowed.

As the first step towards the solution, powers should be devolved at least as per the 13th amendment to the constitution, he said.

People of the north should be empowered to resolve their land and police issue, he added.