President Chandrika Kumaratunga received Mr. Vidar Helgessen, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, on Tuesday 27th July 2004 in the context of Norway’s role as facilitator in the Sri Lanka peace process.

Mr. Helgessen briefed the President on his discussion with Mr. S. P. Thamilselvan of the LTTE in Killinochchi indicating that there was no agreement on the proposed agenda for the commencement of the direct negotiations between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE. He added however, that the LTTE remained committed to the Ceasefire Agreement.

The President indicated to Mr. Helgessen that her Government is willing and keen to commence negotiations on an interim authority within the framework of a united State and to reach a durable solution to the conflict.

The Government hopes that the LTTE will agree to resume talks on this basis. The President reiterated her commitment to the Ceasefire Agreement and condemned the recent incidents of violence.

Mr. Helgessen was accompanied by Norway’s Ambassador Hans Brattskar, Oddvar Laegreid, Deputy Head of Mission and Minister Counselor and Ms. Kjersti Tromsdal of the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

Associated at the discussion with the President were Jayantha Dhanapala, Secretary-General of the Peace Secretariat and Senior Advisor to the President and H.M.G.S. Palihakkara, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.