The Norwegian
delegation visiting Sri Lanka met with members of
the Government in the afternoon of Monday, October
21, 2002. The Norwegian delegation comprised Deputy
Foreign Minister, Vidar Helgesen; Special Advisor,
Erik Solheim; Hans Brattskar and Advisor Lisa Golden
from the Norwegian Foreign Ministry; and Ambassador,
Jon Westborg. The Government delegation consisted
of Ministers G L Peiris and Milinda Moragoda, and
Director General of the Peace Secretariat, Bernard
Goonetilleke.
After the luncheon meeting held at the residence
of the Norwegian Ambassador, the two groups met
with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in the
evening. Also present at this meeting with the Prime
Minister were Minister Rauf Hakeem and Secretary
to the Prime Minister, Mr Bradman Weerakoon.
Among the matters discussed was the establishment
of a Joint Task Force for the reconstruction of
the northern and eastern provinces, and its terms
of reference. During the discussion, it was accepted
that there is a need for the Task Force to be associated
with a government institution, such as the Prime
Minister’s Office. This would be a prerequisite
for legal authority to receive, disburse and be
accountable for funds received from donors.
Another issue discussed was the donor conference
to be held in Oslo on November 25, 2002. A number
of countries have been invited to this conference,
including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India,
Japan,
Nordic countries, People’s Republic of China,
Republic of Korea, Switzerland, United Kingdom,
and United States of America.
Arrangements for de-mining activities were conferred
upon as well as the issues related to ratification
of the Ottawa Convention on anti-personnel mines.
Among other issues brought up were demonstrations
and hartals, which have led to civil disturbances
in the North and East, and the political situation
in the South.
The Norwegian delegation departed to Jaffna this
morning (October 22) from where they will proceed
to the Wanni. The delegation is expected to return
to Colombo on Wednesday (October 23).
SCOPP Communications
Unit