The annual political consultations
between the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and Norway
will take place in Colombo 17-20 February. Hon. Olav
Kjørven, Deputy Minister of Development Co-operation,
will head the Norwegian delegation. In addition the
delegation will comprise of H.E Ambassador Jon Westborg
and representatives from the Norwegian Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and NORAD. Hon Minister Milinda Moragoda
and Mr. Charita Ratwatte will head the GOSL delegation.
The purpose of this
visit is to continue the dialog with the GOSL on important
co-operation programs between our two countries. Norway
and Sri Lanka have a long-standing relationship in
the field of development co-operation. Norway has
assisted Sri Lanka for more than twenty years and
has annually funded Sri Lanka with around usd 11 million.
More than 75% of this assistance has been channelled
through the Government and local authorities to the
development of the southern part of the country.
The first session
of the political consultations will focus on Economic
Development for Employment. Industrial development,
investment policies, trade employment and labour issues
will be central elements during these talks. The topic
for the second session will be “Preparing for
and sustaining peace” and will include discussions
on immediate humanitarian needs, rehabilitation, post
conflict reconstruction and development.
On Wednesday
19 February Deputy Minister Kjørven is planning
to visit Sri Lankan Norwegian joint ventures. Mr.
Kjørven will travel to Galle to visit a Solid
Waste Management Project supported by NORAD. He will
also meet with the Governor of the Southern Province
and have a discussion on private sector development
with five district chambers of commerce. Deputy Minister
Kjørven will during his visit also meet with
international organisations and representatives from
the Sri Lankan civil society.
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