Australia has called on both sides in the Sri Lankan conflict to respect human rights.

Our reporter Louise Yaxley says the foreign affairs minister Stephen Smith has condemned a suicide bombing yesterday in Sri Lanka which killed 26 people, including a former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Australia, Janaka Perera and his wife.

Mr Smith says Australia recognises the Sri Lankan government's right to take measured action consistent with international law to secure control over its territory, but says it must make every effort to avoid civilian casualties.

He says the Tamil Tigers must heed international law and act immediately to end forced and underaged recruiting.

The foreign minister says Sri Lankan conflict cannot be resolved militarily, but a political solution must be found.

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