Sure, I'll take the first crack at it. Let me preface this by saying that this will be a quick reaction, and I think it obviously requires a lot more discussion with you and others.
First, I think we're all in agreement that the biggest issue is how to save lives. There are two parts to that. There are the lives of those who are already displaced and in the camps, and there are the lives of those in the conflict zone. Any effort that Canada can do, or that even internationally we can do, to bring a pause to the fighting and to get as many civilians out of the area is to be applauded, and we need to do it.
We have our high commissioner and we have the CIDA team on the ground right now. They've been looking at it. It's an assessment mission, in a sense. They're taking a look. As for how long it would take to put in place, I would look to my colleagues to see if anybody would have a better idea than I of how to put something on the ground there.
But clearly the issue is whether the Government of Sri Lanka would accept such a mission. As I mentioned, Minister Cannon has spoken to their foreign minister, three days ago now, I guess. These are issues that can be brought up by our minister and others. The first step is how to get the pause that both sides will accept. The second issue is how to get international groups in there. Up to now, the Government of Sri Lanka has refused on the UN assessment teams going in. That would probably have to be the starting point.
But I take your point on board. I would just ask if anybody else here at the table has any comments they would wish to make. If not, we'd follow up with you.