President Chandrika Kumaratunga received the Special Advisor of the Royal Norwegian Government Erik Solheim at President’s House on Thursday, 24th February.

Mr. Solheim briefed the President on his discussions with Anton Balasingham in London earlier this month and on his meeting with LTTE political wing leader S.P. Thamilselvan in Kilinochchi on Tuesday, 22nd February. Mr. Solheim conveyed to the President concerns expressed by Mr. Thamilselvan on the killing of Kausalyan and the implementation of Article 1.8 of the Ceasefire Agreement in relation to the disarming of paramilitary groups. He also conveyed the readiness of the LTTE to continue discussions on a working arrangement for the allocation and implementation of post-tsunami aid.

The President, while unreservedly condemning the killing of Kausalyan, LTTE’s political leader for Batticaloa – Ampara and five others by unidentified persons on 7th February, emphatically rejected the suggestion that there are any paramilitary forces operating in association with the Sri Lankan security forces. She deplored the killing of a Sri Lankan soldier and the injurying of another by the LTTE on the third anniversary of the CFA.

The President also reiterated the sincere commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to establish a working arrangement with the LTTE for the equitable allocation and implementation of post-tsunami aid.

Mr. Solheim was accompanied by Ambassador Hans Brattskar the Norwegian envoy to Sri Lanka and other Norwegian officials. Associated with the President were SG of the Peace Secretariat Jayantha Dhanapala, and Foreign Secretary H.M.G.S. Palihakkara and other officials.

Director General
Presidential Media Unit