President Chandrika Kumaratunga received the Deputy Foreign Minister of Norway Vidar Helgesen, at President’s House on Thursday, 4th August.

The President briefed Mr. Helgesen on the Supreme Court’s interim order on P-TOMS and, outlined the steps being taken by the government to implement P-TOMS, pending the Supreme Court’s hearing of the government’s objections and within the parameters set out by the Supreme Court. It was agreed that the cooperation of the LTTE and the Muslim parties was necessary.

The discussion also focused on the current status of the ceasefire agreement. The President expressed the Government’s readiness to a ‘review’ of the CFA as proposed by SLMM and as distinct from a ‘renegotiation’ of the CFA, in order that ancillary arrangements can be put in place to remedy the current gaps in the CFA, and build confidence on the basis of mutual responsibility and reciprocity between the two parties.

The President briefed Mr. Helgesen on the unfortunate death of a civilian in a shooting incident in Jaffna, the subsequent killing of a Police officer, and the measures taken by the government to maintain calm.

The recent Security Council Resolution on Use of Child Soldiers and its implication for Sri Lanka was discussed. The President responded positively to a request from the facilitator to a visit by Mr. Ian Martin, Advisor on Human Rights.

The President once again expressed her commitment to reopen direct negotiations between the Government and the LTTE.

Mr. Helgesen was accompanied by Ambassador Hans Brattskar and other Norwegian officials. Associated with the President were Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, Deputy Minister Dilan Perera, SG of the Peace Secretariat Jayantha Dhanapala, Foreign Secretary H.M.G.S. Palihakkara, Harim Peiris, DG of the RRR Ministry.