Press Releases 2007

The Norwegian Ambassador Tore Hattrem paid a visit to Hambantota to launch a new project in support of Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) on 27 November.

Launching the “Access to Credit and Business Development Project” together with the International Finance Cooperation (IFC), the Ambassador underscored the importance of developing the regions, facilitating employment and income generation.

“I am delighted that we through this project also are able to enhance the business environment for SMEs in the South”, said Ambassador Hattrem.

The project seeks to promote and develop Small and Medium sized Enterprises in Ratnapura, Hambantota, Monaragala, Matara and Galle through improved access to finance and Business Development Services. The Project will be implemented by the IFC together with the five Southern District Chambers of Commerce and Industries. Norway has provided Rs. 290 million to the project.

At the launch, the Ambassador pointed to Norway’s history of cooperation with the South which goes back 30 years. Since 1979 Norway has provided more than Rs. 4000 million for projects in the south. This substantial cooperation, popularly known as “NORAD”, has contributed to public infrastructure as well as developments in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forestry, small-scale industries and production.

At present Norway’s cooperation with the South consists of support for vocational training, IT and further development of the Monaragala and Hambantota Chambers of Commerce.

The very same day the Ambassador also attended a multi-cultural concert called “Friends in Harmony”, featuring the music of Edvard Grieg. Renowned Sri Lankan artists and dancers presented a fabulous show.

“It is wonderful to experience Grieg’s music performed by such talented musicians and dancers in a new and exciting setting”, Ambassador Hattrem stated.

The concert was funded by Norway and organised by Aru Sri Art Theatre in collaboration with Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce. The year 2007 marks the 100th Death Anniversary of the celebrated Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. "

 
---------------

2 November 2007, Oslo

---------------

16 August 2007

Violent incident in Oslo involving persons of Tamil origin

A violent clash between persons of Tamil origin took place in Oslo on Sunday 12 August. Two people were found seriously injured at the scene of the crime. The incident involved both gunfire and the use of other weapons.

The Norwegian authorities are taking the incident very seriously and consider it a clear violation of Norwegian law.

The Norwegian police immediately launched a thorough criminal investigation. The objective is to conclude the investigation as quickly as possible so that the perpetrators can be prosecuted in accordance with law.

22 June 2007, Oslo

June 12 2007

Norwegian Ambassador congratulates National Drama Awards winners

I congratulate all the National Drama Awards winners, Norwegian Ambassador, Hans Brattskar, said. – I am particularly happy to see that two of the productions the Norwegian Embassy supported in 2006, Mother Courage and Wana Tharawi were awarded five of these most prestigious prizes. I am very pleased to see that our cultural co-operation is appreciated in this way, the Ambassador added.

Mother Courage was produced by Abhina Academy of Performing Art and staged tsunami- and war-affected children. Wana Tharawi was a Sinhala language production by Mr E. M. D. Upali of Henrik Ibsen’s classical drama The Wild Duck.

Norwegian supported productions won the following National Drama Awards for the Sinhala medium:

• Best actress: Anoja Weerasinghe (Mother Courage)
• Best costume designer: Swineetha Subasinghe (Mother Courage)
• Best stage management: Priyantha Prabash Herath (Mother Courage)
• Best supporting actress: Mihiri Priyangani Yapa (Wana Tharawi)
• Merit award: Tilani Baranasuriya (Mother Courage)

-----------------

08 June 2007

Norway condemns enforced removal of Tamils from Colombo

Norway condemns yesterday’s sudden and enforced removal of civilian Tamils from their dwellings in Colombo.

The move by the Colombo police is a clear violation of international human rights law. The Government of Sri Lanka has legitimate security concerns. Moreover, it has the right and obligation to take measures to guarantee the safety of its population. However, such measures should not indiscriminately target Tamils, or any other ethnic group, and should always be in accordance with international human rights law.

We urge the Government of Sri Lanka to cease any further enforced removal of Tamils from Colombo, and to consider granting immediate permission to return for those already removed from the city.

  -----------------

22 May 2007

Norway categorically denies that a large number of Norwegian passports have been stolen

Recently there have been reports in the Sri Lankan and other media that 130 000 Norwegian passports have been stolen and that 700 blank passports have been confiscated in Thailand. Furthermore, there are allegations that the LTTE is involved, and has redistributed Norwegian passports to Al Qaeda. These allegations are drawing links between unrelated matters and have no basis in reality. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs would therefore like to clarify the facts.

The Norwegian police confirms that a policeman has sold nine blank passports to a Norwegian national of Sri Lankan origin. Both of the implicated persons were sentenced to imprisonment in 2006 for this serious offence. 

Like other countries, Norway wants to stop the illicit use of national travel documents by criminals. Therefore, Norway has established one of the world’s most effective systems for reporting individual passports that are missing to both Interpol and other Schengen countries. Over the last 10 years, Norway has reported 130 000 missing passports to Interpol. This figure includes all the passports that have been registered by the police as lost or stolen. It corresponds to the figures for comparable countries in Europe, and is considerably lower than the figures for the larger European countries.
 
The Norwegian authorities have no information suggesting that 700 passports have been confiscated in Thailand, and neither are 700 blank passports missing. The Norwegian police has no information indicating that the LTTE or Al Qaeda are in the possession of missing Norwegian passports.

19 April 2007

Dear Madam/Sir,

Open letter to the Chief Editor of the newspaper Sunday Times

Please find enclosed an open letter to the Chief Editor of Sunday Times from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated 18 April 2007. An unofficial translation of the letter to Singhalese and Tamil is also attached.

The letter relates to an article in the Sunday Times newspaper 15 April 2007. It categorically refutes allegations made by a Norwegian national and his organization Norwegians Against Terrorism, to the effect that Norway has funded terrorism. These allegations try to damage the relations between Sri Lanka and Norway. Unfortunately, similar allegations based on the very same source, have lately also been published and broadcasted by other parts of the Sri Lankan media.

Let me present to you the following brief facts about Sri Lankan-Norwegian relations:

• Sri Lanka and Norway have entertained excellent bilateral relations since these were established in August 1950. This year, the countries can celebrate thirty years of bilateral development cooperation.

• Over the years, Norway has been a committed partner in development. The annual development assistance is normally in the range of LKR 3.9 billion (approx. USD 35.4 million). In the year 2005, the tsunami assistance brought the total up to LKR 7.8 billion (approx. USD 71.5 million). Norwegian development assistance has financed projects in all parts of Sri Lanka, with approximately two-thirds of the assistance being allocated to the South.

• In the year 2000, President Kumaratunga, requested Norwegian assistance in facilitating talks between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE. This request has been renewed by all successive governments of Sri Lanka. Norway remains committed to assist in reaching a peaceful solution to the conflict – one that can meet the aspirations of Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims and be acceptable to all groups in Sri Lanka.

• In addition to being a development and humanitarian donor to Sri Lanka, Norway has, since the inception of the peace process, financed peace process related costs and projects. The funding has inter alia included costs for peace secretariats and peace talks. Moreover, all Norwegian support must comply with strict rules for supervision, auditing and reporting.

Yours faithfully

Hans Brattskar
Ambassador

Chief Editor

The Sunday Times

Dear Mr. Ratnatunga

Open letter to the Chief Editor of The Sunday Times

Reference is made to an article in The Sunday Times on Sunday 15 April 2007 concerning totally unfounded claims that Norway was supporting terrorism by a Norwegian who calls himself Norwegians Against Terrorism.  The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to set the record straight on some of these allegations.

Norway has been invited by both the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and the LTTE to act as facilitator in their efforts to reach a negotiated solution to the conflict. Norway first accepted the role as facilitator in response to a request from President Kumaratunga and the LTTE in 2000, which has been renewed by successive governments of Sri Lanka.

Norway’s role is to assist the GOSL and the LTTE in their efforts to reach a negotiated solution to the conflict, not to impose any solutions on them. The role as facilitator requires close communication with both the GOSL and the LTTE, and involves assisting in activities in support of the peace process. Norway cannot resolve this conflict. Only the people of Sri Lanka can decide their own future and create a society founded on peace for all.

Norway cares about Sri Lanka. This has been demonstrated through 30 years of bilateral cooperation to support the development of Sri Lanka and assist Sri Lankans affected by poverty, conflict and natural disasters. The excellent bilateral relations enjoyed by our two countries for decades have enabled exchanges and ties of friendship to develop between our peoples.

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has the following comments on the allegations reproduced in The Sunday Times article:

“Norway is funding TRO.”

When the devastating tsunami hit the coast of Sri Lanka, Norway undertook to help the victims and assist in the reconstruction of the country. In the north and east, Norway provided funds for humanitarian tsunami assistance, among others through the Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO).

Norway is an active proponent of international mine action and efforts to ban landmines.
Norway has provided assistance through a Norwegian non-governmental organisation for mine clearance in the north being carried out by the Humanitarian Demining Unit/TRO. Norway and other international actors have for many years been active supporters of demining activities carried out in the north and east. 

“Norway is financing the LTTE.”

After the GOSL and the LTTE signed the Ceasefire Agreement in 2002, both parties wished to set up their respective peace secretariats to assist the parties in the peace process. Both requested and were at that time given Norwegian support. The GOSL accepted that Norway as facilitator to the peace process would provide funding for the LTTE’s peace secretariat. Furthermore Norway has provided funding to the Muslim Peace Secretariat.

The work of the peace secretariats has included support for the participation of the parties in the peace process, including several rounds of meetings. The secretariats have been important points of contact for the civilian population, civil society, international actors, truce monitors and Norway as facilitator. The peace secretariats have also sought to build expertise in fields related to the peace process and to communicate information on issues related to this process to the public.

All Norwegian financing of projects in Sri Lanka is reported and audited according to Norwegian government regulations in order to ensure that the assistance is used for the humanitarian and development purposes for which it is intended.

“Norway has provided military training to the LTTE.”

Norway has never provided any military training or military equipment to the LTTE. Such conduct would not only have been unethical, it would also have been in violation of Norwegian law.
Members of the LTTE’s political committee have visited the Rena Camp in Norway when visiting some of the Nordic countries. As clarified earlier by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the purpose of the visit was to present Norway’s involvement and role in peace operations around the world, and did not involve any training.
It is unfortunate that these false allegations are being reproduced and disseminated in Sri Lanka, especially by a respected media outlet. This information is being disseminated on behalf of the so-called Norwegians Against Terrorism (NAT). NAT is not a registered organisation in Norway. It has only one known member, and there is no indication of any other Norwegian membership base.

-----------------

29 March 2007

Completion Ceremony – Norway’s Tsunami Temples Reconstruction Project.

A Completion Ceremony for the reconstruction of 32 Buddhist temples will take place in Dodanduwa, Galle, 29 March 2007. This is part of a larger Rs. 200 million Norwegian funded programme to reconstruct various religious buildings affected by the Tsunami.

- We are pleased to see that the reconstruction of these Buddhist Temples in the South has been successfully completed.  It is our sincere hope that this project will contribute towards healing some of the many wounds the Tsunami has left, says Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar.

The project, supporting the rehabilitation of Buddhist temples in Southern Sri Lanka affected by the Tsunami, was initiated by Minister for International Development - Mr. Erik Solheim - after meetings with several Venerable monks in April 2005.

Religious institutions all over Sri Lanka played an important role in providing shelter and support for the tsunami-affected population, and offered solace and comfort to those in grief.

For these reasons, and as part of Norway’s continued support to the people who suffered grave losses during the Tsunami, Norway also granted support for the reconstruction of an additional 35 religious buildings in Eastern Sri Lanka - including Buddhist temples, Hindu kovils, mosques and churches. Also the reconstruction of these buildings is now reaching its completion.

-----------------

28 February 2007

Norway’s development co-operation in 2006

In 2006, Norway’s total development co-operation to Sri Lanka amounted to almost Rs. 4 billion. Of the long-term assistance provided, around 64% went to the South and the country as a whole, and 36% to the North and East.

Norwegian ambassador Hans Brattskar, during a visit to Hambantota district 26 – 28 February, stated that Hambantota would continue to receive a substantial amount of Norwegian development co-operation promoting private sector development. Norway has for the last 20 years, through NORAD, funded the Hambantota Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP).

The Ambassador stressed that economic development is one of the priority areas for Norwegian development co-operation. In 2006, Norway has provided funding to a broad range of projects, including support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) and to investments in improved infrastructure. Norway has also, together with its partners, brought about more environmentally friendly and efficient production methods in the industrial sector, increased living standards for women and their families through micro credit schemes and improved housing conditions for people in the plantation sector. A matchmaking programme, facilitating co-operation between Sri Lankan and Norwegian businesses, resulted in a number of new joint ventures. Moreover, a coastal management plan for Hambantota was prepared with Norwegian assistance.

Support has also been extended to several civil society organisations throughout the country, including theatres and other organisations promoting culture to the general public.

Furthermore, Norway has continued its support for the tsunami-affected population in the south, east and north in 2006. The main focus has been on enhancing job opportunities in addition to reconstructing schools, religious buildings and permanent houses. In total, Norway committed over Rs. 6 billion to the relief and rehabilitation efforts in Sri Lanka for 2005 - 2007. Moreover, substantial amounts have been provided as a result of private donations from Norway.

According to current plans, Norwegian development co-operation to Sri Lanka will continue at the same level in 2007.
-----------------------

21 February 2007, OsloFive years since the Ceasefire Agreement of Sri Lanka

22 February marks five years since the government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) entered into the mutual Ceasefire Agreement. On this occasion, Norwegian Minister of Development Cooperation Erik Solheim commented that the establishment of the Ceasefire Agreement was a tremendously positive development for Sri Lanka.
 
– When the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE entered into the Ceasefire Agreement in 2002, they put an immediate stop to 20 years of fighting in which tens of thousands of people lost their lives. The silencing of guns stopped the bloodshed and significantly alleviated humanitarian suffering. The economy and tourism picked up rapidly. People were finally able to travel freely to areas that had for all practical purposes been closed off for years. The Ceasefire Agreement also allowed the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE to begin negotiations on a political solution to the conflict, said Minister Solheim.
 
Some killings continued in spite of the ceasefire agreement.

– One killing was followed by another, and the violence escalated. The problem started when the parties decided not to implement the agreement into which they themselves had entered. Massive human rights abuses, grave humanitarian suffering and the displacement of over 200 000 people are among the results. It is the responsibility of the parties to put a stop to this and to demonstrate the political will to reach a lasting settlement. It is my strong hope that both parties will recognise the need to secure the full implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement as a first step toward reaching a political solution, said Minister Solheim.
 
Solheim further expressed his high regard for the continued work of the Nordic civilian observer group, Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, mandated by the Ceasefire Agreement.
 
– The government of Norway remains in regular contact with the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE. Norway is willing to go the extra mile to assist their peace endeavours at their request. As soon as the parties renew their peace efforts, we will be ready to do all we can to help. It is my sincere opinion that the vast majority of Sri Lankans have a strong yearning for peace, said Solheim. 

-----------------------

21 February 2007

Speech by Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar

“Five Years of Ceasefire Agreement – What Next?”
Bandaranaike International Conference Hall, Colombo, 21 February 2007

Ladies and gentlemen,

On 22 February, we will mark the five year anniversary of the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE. Although the CFA is under greater strain today than ever before, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of its achievements.

The CFA came about after twenty years of armed conflict. Twenty years during which thousands of people, including many innocent civilians, lost their lives.

The years following the signing of the CFA saw a dramatic improvement in the situation. The daily fear of bombs and other attacks on civilians was greatly reduced. Mothers and fathers could send their children to school and not have to worry about their school buses being at the wrong place at the wrong time. The checkpoints we see again today were largely gone, and roads all over the country were open. I remember how people from Colombo took the opportunity to spend a few days on the beautiful beach in Trincomalee, in the national parks of Batticaloa, or visiting friends in Jaffna.

Most importantly, the number of people killed was greatly reduced. There is no doubt that by stopping the vicious cycle of violence, the CFA saved thousands of lives, and prevented many people being maimed and injured.

The CFA led to direct peace negotiations between the Government and the LTTE. It made a political dialogue possible. This dialogue will have to be resumed, in order for a peaceful solution to the conflict to be found.

The parties’ commitment to the CFA has also been of clear economic benefit to Sri Lanka. A recent World Bank report shows that economic growth in the north of Sir Lanka quadrupled during the first years of the ceasefire, and doubled in the east during the same period.

The rest of the country has also benefited economically from the CFA. The CFA and the peace process were seen as a success story, and the international community wanted to be part of it. This opened the way for new financial assistance and foreign investment, and foreign tourists returned to Sri Lanka in large numbers.

The World Bank has reported that, as a consequence of the ongoing conflict, Sri Lanka’s economic growth is two to three per cent lower per year than it would otherwise be. Millions of Sri Lankans will therefore be pulled out of poverty when higher economic growth comes with peace.

Another success of the CFA has been the establishment and work of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission. The SLMM, working with the parties and the civilian population, has managed to prevent many potential conflicts. In addition, it has played an important role in shedding light on issues that would otherwise have remained hidden. I am convinced that SLMM’s cooperation with the parties has prevented much violence, and prevented the escalation of many dangerous situations, during the past five years.

The CFA was meant as a temporary arrangement for a transitional period, but I am of the strong opinion that it has saved many lives and been a vital instrument for peace.

Of course, this does not mean that there have not been many violations of the CFA. It is well-documented by the SLMM, the UN and others that killings, abductions and other human rights abuses, including child recruitment, continue, and that the number of such incidents has escalated sharply over the past year.

Norway is pleased that the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) has started its work. National and international human rights efforts are of utmost importance today, and all parties should give them their maximum support.

We have also witnessed a regrettable return to large-scale fighting and military offensives in 2006 and 2007, resulting in a dire humanitarian situation for thousands of civilians.

Neither party has abrogated the CFA, and it is my strong hope that they soon will see the need to secure its full implementation.

The Norwegian Government has made it clear that it stands ready to continue to serve as a facilitator in the peace process, provided that both the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE request its continued assistance, and it feels that it can make a constructive contribution. The SLMM is also continuing its valuable work.

Norway strongly believes that any efforts to bring about lasting peace in Sri Lanka must be supported by all ethnic communities. Norway has made repeated efforts to encourage multi-ethnic support, but cannot generate it alone.

It is the people of Sri Lanka and their leaders, not Norway or any other party, who are ultimately responsible for deciding the future of this country and finding a peaceful, negotiated settlement to the present conflict. Norway is ready to lend its firm support.

Thank you very much.