28 November 2008
Norway condemns the killing of Mr. Vigneswaran, Norwegian Refugee Council
Norway strongly condemns the killing of Mr. Wigneswaran in Batticaloa on 27 November 2008. Mr. Wickneswaran was construction supervisor with the Norwegian Refugee Council in Batticaloa. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Wigneswaran’s family, friends and colleagues.
Norway is concerned about the increasing number of killings and violent attacks reported from the Eastern Province. We urge the authorities to investigate these killings and acts of violence, and bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.
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17 November 2008
Norway condemns the killing of Mr. Kumaraswami Nandagoban and Mr. Sameer Rajkumar
Norway strongly condemns the killing of Mr. Kumaraswami Nandagoban (alias Ragu) and Mr. Sameer Rajkumar in Nugegoda on 14 November 2008. Mr. Kumaraswami Nandagoban was the personal secretary of the Chief Minister in the Eastern Province, Mr. Pillayan, and Mr. Rajkumar was a TMVP party member. We offer out deepest sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of the victims.
We reiterate our belief that a political solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka must be found to put an end to such violent and reprehensible attacks, and to obtain sustainable peace.
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10 October 2008
Norway condemns the bomb attack in Boralasgamuwa
Norway strongly condemns the attack in Boralasgamuwa, south east of Colombo, on 9 October 2008. The attack was targeting the motorcade of Minister of Agricultural Development and Agrarian Services, and General Secretary of Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Maithripala Sirisena. The Minister was not injured.
It is reported that one person died after been taken to hospital, because of fatal injuries. Six others were also injured, including Deputy Minister of Agrarian Services Siripala Gamlath. We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families.
It is of strong concern that this is the second attack this week targeting politicians. We reiterate that assassinations or assassination attempts on politicians are totally reprehensible, as these constitute serious damage to democratic traditions and values. In addition, we strongly urge all parties to stop attacks on civilians. Such attacks are grave violations of international humanitarian law.
We emphasize again that a political settlement to the conflict in Sri Lanka is necessary to put an end to the spiral of violence in the country, and to achieve sustainable peace.
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06 October 2008
Norway strongly condemns the devastating bomb attack in Anuradhapura 6 October killing dozens of civilian people and injuring even more. Several UNP politicians were killed, among them retired Maj General Janaka Perea. This attack, aimed at politicians and civilians, is an attack on the universally accepted democratic values and norms. We offer our heartfelt condolences and thoughts to the victims and their relatives, and political colleagues.
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16 September 2008
Norway provides NOK 36 million in emergency relief to Sri Lanka
The Government is providing NOK 36 million to humanitarian efforts in Sri Lanka. Norway is concerned about the civilian population affected by the conflict.
The fighting is intensifying in northern Sri Lanka, where tens of thousands of civilians are now being forced to flee. The humanitarian organisations are working under extremely difficult conditions. Now that the UN and NGOs have had to withdraw from LTTE-controlled areas, we foresee increased humanitarian needs.
Norway urges all the affected parties to comply with international humanitarian law and ensure that those in need get the assistance they are entitled to, including humanitarian access and freedom of movement for civilians.
The money Norway is now providing will be channelled through UN agencies, the Red Cross and other NGOs.
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04 September 2008
Norway funds Phase 2 of Cultural Centre Libraries upgrading
Norwegian Ambassador H.E Tore Hattrem presented the first installment of a Rs 6 million cheque to Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs today. This cheque of Rs 3 million is part of the second phase of a grant by the Norwegian Government to purchase books for upgrading the libraries of cultural centres island wide.
The presentation supports the Sri Lanka government’s declaration of September 2008 as being the State Cultural Month. Rs. 11.1 million was donated by the Norwegian Government in 2006, also to purchase library books in Sinhala, Tamil and English for the cultural centres, which were well received by the readership of the Centres that today has grown to over 50,000 people island wide.
There are 143 Centre around the country including the North and East, every Centre being equipped with a library for public use. The libraries are especially popular among housewives, schoolchildren and young school dropouts. The Norwegian government grant aims to enrich the reading contents of these libraries. The range of books purchased from grant monies covers literature, science and technology, religion, culture and translations. The grant will also facilitate the purchase of several motor tricycles for a mobile library service that will make the books available to remote areas with no access to libraries.
Many underprivileged communities have financial constraints that prevent them from buying books and other educational material, and several rural and underprivileged areas lack good library facilities. Norwegian Ambassador H.E Tore Hattrem, stated, “Economic growth cannot take place without knowledge, and books hold the key. Knowledge investment is the most important endowment that a government can make on its people and Norway is very pleased to support the Sri Lankan government in this initiative. We trust that our co-operation will enable the people of rural Sri Lanka explore, learn and evolve into contributing citizens in a dynamic economy”.
The cultural centres were established in the divisional secretariats by the cultural promotion programme of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage, and their function is one of the Ministry’s main tasks. The Cultural Centres cater mainly to communities that do not have the resources to upgrade their educational and social structures, and provide communities with training free of charge in diverse arts, notably in dancing, music, drama and literature, in addition to language training.
The Norwegian Government contributes Rs. 5,160 million in development assistance to Sri Lanka annually, in a variety of assistance programmes for the poor and needy.
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03 September 2008
Tightening of the immigration policy
– It is necessary to take measures to decrease the numbers of asylum seekers without a need for protection, says Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.
Norway has, next to the Netherlands, experienced the largest increase in the arrivals of asylum seekers in Europe in 2008. So far this year more than twice as many asylum seekers has arrived compared to the same period of last year. 60 per cent of the applications for asylum are rejected. In 2007 Norway received 6 500 asylum seekers and this year around 15 000 arrivals are expected. The main reason for the increase are developments in the home countries of the asylum seekers. How the Norwegian asylum policy is perceived, especially in comparison with comparable countries like Sweden, may also explain the distribution of asylum seekers to various European countries.
The Government is concerned with protecting the right of asylum for refugees, and with the rapid inclusion of those granted protection into the Norwegian society.
– It is therefore necessary to take measures to decrease the number of arriving asylum seekers who do not meet the conditions for protection, says Minister of Labour and Social Inclusion Dag Terje Andersen.
Before the summer the Government announced several measures to reduce the number of asylum seekers arriving in Norway. Among other measures, the subsistence requirement was restricted and the Dublin II Regulation was applied more widely. This regulation puts the responsibility for the asylum application in the state where the applicant first applied for asylum, unless the applicant has family members residing legally in another state. The Government is now proposing additional measures to reduce the number of arrivals:
To assess the question of humanitarian grounds, each case shall be examined individually, and not undergo a general group assessment based on the particular geographical area.
Lack of link to a particular geographical area, shall not be conclusive when it comes to accessing the internal flight alternative, there have to be other strong humanitarian grounds for granting residency.
Norwegian asylum and immigration policies are determined by the Norwegian authorities. Norwegian practice shall as a main rule harmonize with practices in other comparable countries, both today and in the future.
Norway’s assessment of cases under the Dublin II regulations will be harmonized with practices by other member states to the effect that Norway does not make general exceptions from the regulations unless there are particular reasons to do so. An individual assessment shall be carried out concerning applicants who are to be returned to Greece and unaccompanied minors.
Persons who have been granted residency on humanitarian grounds must have four years of education or work experience in Norway to be granted family reunification with existing or new family members. The same conditions apply for those who have been granted refugee status, but only related to family establishment. Persons with permits granted on the basis of a job offer in Norway and citizens of the EU/EEA, are exempt from these conditions, and other exemptions can also be made under special circumstances.
Based on an individual assessment, temporary residency without the right to renewal can be granted to unaccompanied minors who are 16 years or older and today are given residency simply because Norwegian authorities cannot locate their parents/family.
When establishing a practice contrary to UNHCRs recommendations concerning protection, the changes should as a main rule be put forward to the Grand Board of the Immigration Appeals Board, unless the new practice has been put down by instructions from the Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has the responsibility for negotiating a readmission agreement with Iraq. This shall be given priority. The conditions for entering into such an agreement and the budgetary consequences shall be further investigated.
The Government will intensify efforts to negotiate readmission agreements with the main countries of origin for persons who are in Norway illegally.
Further investigation will be one into the possibilities of faster procedures for asylum applicants who do not contribute to disclose their identity.
Fingerprints shall be taken of all applicants who cannot document their identity or are suspected of having a false identity.
A proposition for regulations to limit the meetings in the Immigration Appeals Board only to issues that are essential for the result of the cases will be sent on a public hearing.
A fast track procedure for particular groups where there are a high percentage of rejections will be established. This is conditional of cooperation between all government bodies needed in the process.
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01 September 2008
Norway condemns the attack in Pettah, Colombo
Norway strongly condemns the bomb attack injuring several civilians in Pettah, Colombo, 30 August. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families.
We once again insist that all the parties to the conflict must adhere to international law, and avoid targeting civilians.
Norway also reiterates that a political solution to the conflict should be found.
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30 July 2008
Norway condemns the illegal confiscation of equipment from Norwegian People’s Aid in Sri Lanka
We have been informed by the Norwegian People’s Aid that the equipment that has been used for their de-mining programme has been illegally confiscated by an organisation in the Vanni. Norway condemns and deeply regrets such unacceptable action. The Norwegian government has supported the Norwegian People’s Aid’s humanitarian de-mining programme in the Vanni since 2002. Programme activities have been suspended since January 2008.
We remind all parties to violent conflict of their duty to respect the humanitarian space. Humanitarian aid must be granted unimpeded access. The people of Sri Lanka who are in need have a right to receive aid from the international community.
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18 June 2008
Norway condemns the attack in Vavuniya
Norway strongly condemns the attack near a police station in Vavuniya on 16 June 2008. In the attack a large number of police personnel were killed, and many civilians in the vicinity were injured.
Norway is also highly concerned that several civilians are being killed in the Vanni due to aerial bombardments. According to international law all necessary precautions must be taken to avoid harming civilians. We urge all parties to comply with international law, and respect the lives and integrity of civilians.
We offer our heartfelt sympathies and thoughts to the victims and their families.
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09 June 2008
Norway condemns the recent attacks on civilians in Sri Lanka
Norway strongly condemns the recent bomb attacks on buses in Katubedda, near Colombo, and in Polgolla, near Kandy. The attacks claimed the lives of many civilians, and a large number were wounded. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families.
Norway is deeply concerned about the increase of violent attacks in which civilian lives are lost. Again we urge the parties to the conflict to comply with their obligations under international law and avoid targeting civilians.
Norway reiterates our belief that there is no military solution to the conflict. To attain a sustainable solution a political settlement that addresses the grievances of all groups in Sri Lanka is needed.
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30 May 2008
Norway condemns the killing of Mr. P. Devakumar and the attack on Mr. Keith Noyahr
Norway strongly condemns the brutal killing on 28 May 2008 of Sirasa, Shakthi and MTV Television Network Jaffna district correspondent Mr. P. Devakumar. We extend our deep sympathy with Mr. P. Devakumar’s family and friends.
Norway also strongly condemns the ruthless kidnapping and assault on 22 May 2008 of Associate Editor in The Nation Mr. Keith Noyahr.
Freedom of expression is an essential value in a democracy. Norway is concerned about the increasing trend of killings, harassment and intimidation of media workers in Sri Lanka. We urge all parties to protect media freedom in compliance with international law. Furthermore, we call on the Sri Lankan authorities to investigate all attacks on media workers immediately and in accordance with internationally accepted judicial norms and practice.
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27 May 2008
Norway condemns the bomb attack on the Colombo-Panudara train
Norway strongly condemns the bomb attack on the Colombo-Panudara train on 26 May 2008. Several civilians were killed and wounded. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
We continue to repeat that all parties must stop the targeting of civilians. A political solution to the conflict is urgently needed to put an end to this escalation of violence, which creates so much suffering and destruction.
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26 May 2008
Norway condemns the bomb attack in Vanni
Norway strongly condemns the attack on a civilian van in the Kilinochchi area, Vanni, on 23 May 2008. In the attack a large number of civilians were killed and injured. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.
Again we urge all parties to refrain from targeting civilians as this constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
We reiterate our belief that a political settlement to the conflict in Sri Lanka is necessary for the people to be able to experience permanent peace.
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19 May 2008
Norway condemns the bomb attack in Fort, Colombo
Norway strongly condemns the bomb attack in Fort, Colombo, on 16 May 2008. In the attack a high number of police personnel and civilians were killed and injured.
Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are extended to the families of the victims.
Norway restates our belief that only a political solution, which addresses the grievances of all the ethnic groups in Sri Lanka, can provide a lasting peace in Sri Lanka.
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14 May 2008
Norway condemns the killing of Ms. Maheshwari Velayuthan
Ms. Maheshwari Velayuthan, Attorney-at-Law and advisor of EPDP Secretary General and Minister Douglas Devananda, was killed 13 May 2008 in Karawetti, Jaffna Peninsula.
Norway strongly condemns the killing. Such an attack on a political advisor is severely damaging to universally accepted democratic values and norms.
We present our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Maheshwari Velayuthan.
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12 May 2008
Norway condemns the bomb attack in Ampara
Norway strongly condemns the bomb attack in City Café and Bake House in Ampara 9 May 2008. The attack claimed the lives of several civilians, and many were injured. We extend our deepest sympathy with the families of the victims.
Norway vigorously deplores such a horrific attack on innocent civilians. We reiterate that international humanitarian law must be respected by all parties, and that targeting of civilians is highly unacceptable and reprehensible.
It is vital that a political solution is being obtained to be able to develop a peaceful and harmonious environment for the people of Sri Lanka.
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28 April 2008
Norway condemns the bomb attack in Piliyandala
Norway strongly condemns the bomb attack on a civilian bus in Piliyandala 25 April 2008. Several civilians died in the attack, and many were wounded. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
Norway is highly worried about the escalation of the conflict in Sri Lanka. Norway denounces violent acts against unarmed civilians. Again we urge the parties to the conflict to comply by international humanitarian law and respect human life.
Furthermore, we reiterate that a political solution is necessary to end the long lasting conflict in Sri Lanka.
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21 April 2008
Norway condemns killing of NESoHR Chairman
Rev. Father M. X. Karunaratnam, Chairman of NESoHR, was killed Sunday 20 April by an explosive devise targeting his vehicle.
Norway condemns the killing which further adds to the already far too high civilian toll of the ongoing conflict.
Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Rev. Father Karunaratnam.
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07 April 2008
Norway condemns the assassination of Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle
Norway strongly condemns the killing of Minister of Highways and Road Development and Chief Government Whip Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and several civilians, following an explosion in Welliwerija on 6 April 2008. Many were also wounded in the attack.
Attacks on politicians are extremely harmful to Sri Lanka’s democratic tradition. Violence and war will not lead to a solution to the ethnic conflict. A political solution to the conflict is vital, a conflict which has lead to so much suffering and destruction in Sri Lanka.
Again we urge all parties to comply with their obligations under international law and avoid targeting civilians.
The Norwegian Government extends its deepest sympathy to the families of the victims.
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07 March 2008
Norway condemns the assassination of K. Sivanesan MP
Norway strongly condemns the killing of Member of the Sri Lankan Parliament K. Sivanesan of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and his driver Periyannan Maheshwararajah, following a claymore attack in the Vanni on 6 March 2008.
Attacks on members of Parliament are seriously undermining Sri Lanka’s democratic traditions and institutions. A political solution to the conflict is vital, to put an end to the spiral of violence.
The Norwegian Government extends it's sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families of K. Sivanesan and Periyannan Maheshwararajah.
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03 February 2008
Norway condemns the attacks in Dambulla and on Fort Railway Station in Colombo
Norway strongly condemns the bomb attack on a civilian bus in Dambulla on 2 February, and the suicide attack on Fort Railway Station in Colombo on 3 February. The attacks claimed the lives of numerous innocent civilians and wounded many more. We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of the victims.
Again we urge the parties to the conflict to comply with their obligations under international law and avoid targeting civilians.
Norway also reiterates that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka and urge all parties to seek a political settlement.
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30 January 2008
Norway strongly condemns yet another attack on a civilian bus
Norway strongly and unequivocally condemns Tuesday’s (29.01.2008) indiscriminate attack on a civilian bus in the Mannar Province. The attack resulted in a high number of civilians being both killed and injured. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families.
Norway once again insists that the parties to the conflict must adhere to the rules of international humanitarian law – including by avoiding any targeting of civilians.
Norway also reiterates its firm belief that a political settlement to the conflict in Sri Lanka should be found.
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17 January 2008
Norway strongly condemns attack on civilian bus
Norway strongly, and in no uncertain terms, condemns yesterday’s indiscriminate attack on a civilian bus in the Uva Province. In the attack a large number of civilians were killed and injured. Our deepest sympathies and thoughts go to the victims and their families.
As the conflict escalates, any targeting of civilians must be avoided to prevent further unnecessary suffering for the people of Sri Lanka. Any attack targeting civilians also constitutes a serious violation of international law.
Norway reiterates its firm belief that a political settlement to the conflict in Sri Lanka should be found.
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12 January 2008, Co-Chairs statement
Joint Statement by the Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Conference
The Tokyo Co-Chairs (Norway, Japan, US and EU) jointly express their strong concerns about the termination of the 2002 Ceasefire Agreement by the Government of Sri Lanka. These concerns have already been expressed in individual statements.
The Co-Chairs support a continued Norwegian role as facilitator.
The Co-Chairs emphasize their belief that there is no military solution to the conflict in Sri Lanka, and reiterate their support for a negotiated settlement. Thus they
- urge the Government of Sri Lanka to finalise a politically sustainable devolution plan;
- urge all parties to comply with their obligations under international law to protect civilians and allow access by humanitarian aid agencies to populations in need;
- express deep concern about the human rights situation and protection of civilians in Sri Lanka, and call for continued monitoring of the human rights situation by such means as to assure an appropriate role for the UN;
- request the Government of Sri Lanka provide access to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in Kilinochchi for representatives of the Co-Chairs and the facilitator.
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04 January 2008, Nordic Press Release
The Nordic countries regret the decision by the Government of Sri Lanka to withdraw from the 2002 Ceasefire Agreement
The Government of Sri Lanka has formally notified Norway of its decision of 2 January to terminate the Ceasefire Agreement with effect from 16 January 2008. As the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission derives its mandate from this agreement, the Sri Lankan Government expects the mission to cease its operations from the same date.
This decision comes at a time when the Government and LTTE are engaging in a high level of hostilities in a war-like situation with large-scale displacement of civilians and repeated violations of human rights. The Nordic countries are deeply concerned about the worsening situation in Sri Lanka, an overall development which now have reached the point where one party terminates the Agreement.
The Ceasefire Agreement was concluded between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in February 2002 and has lasted for almost six years. It served as the fundament for the peace process and for international efforts to assist Sri Lanka in its attempt to end its long history of conflict. At the request of the parties, the Nordic countries set up a civilian mission to monitor adherence to the ceasefire, both with regard to cessation of hostilities and restoration of normalcy.
The Ceasefire Agreement had a number of positive consequences. During the first three years, conflict-related casualties dropped to almost zero, which means that as many as 10 000 lives may have been spared. The agreement allowed for greater freedom of movement for all people in Sri Lanka, and opened for economic development. It also improved the human rights situation and the protection of civilians. However, violations of the Agreement have been particularly numerous and increasingly serious during the past two years.
The Nordic countries are worried that the violence and human suffering will now further escalate. The withdrawal of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission will mean the end of an important mechanism that protected civilians and gave a voice to the victims and their families.
The Nordic countries believe that only a political solution that addresses the grievances of all the ethnic groups in the country can provide a sustainable peace. The termination of the Ceasefire Agreement will only make it more difficult to find a way back to the negotiating table.
The Nordic countries are both grateful for and proud of the efforts and contributions made by the international and local monitors and staff of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission under very demanding circumstances.
Jonas Gahr Støre, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Norway
Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Iceland
Per Stig Möller, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Denmark
Carl Bildt, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sweden
Ilkka Kanerva, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Finland
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02 January 2008, Oslo
Norway regrets the Government of Sri Lanka’s decision to terminate the 2002 ceasefire agreement
The Government of Sri Lanka has decided to terminate the ceasefire agreement concluded with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on 22 February 2002. Norway served as facilitator for the negotiations that led to the agreement. If either party wishes to terminate the agreement, it is required to give notice of termination to the Norwegian Government 14 days in advance.
“I regret that the Government is taking this serious step,” said Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim.
“This comes on top of the increasingly frequent and brutal acts of violence perpetrated by both parties, and I am deeply concerned that the violence and hostilities will now escalate even further.”
The termination of the agreement will primarily affect the Nordic Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), as its mandate is set out in the agreement. It may therefore be necessary to withdraw the mission.
“This would weaken efforts to protect the civilian population, which would be most regrettable,” said Mr Solheim.
In 2000, Norway was formally invited by Sri Lanka’s President, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, and the LTTE to act as facilitator for the peace process in the country. The invitation was renewed most recently by President Rajapakse in January 2006. Despite the escalation of hostilities, Norway is maintaining a close dialogue with the parties. Since bringing the parties together in Geneva in October 2006, Norway has informed them that no further intiatives will be taken until requested by the parties themselves.
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01 January 2008
Norway condemns the assassination of Thiyagarajah Maheswaran MP
“On behalf of the Norwegian Government I would like to extend my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Thiyagarajah Maheswaran, who was shot dead at the Kochchikkadai Sivan Kovil in Colombo on 1 January 2008. Our thoughts are also with the families of the other casualties of the incident,” said Norwegian Ambassador Tore Hattrem.
Norway strongly condemns the killing of Member of the Sri Lankan Parliament Mr Maheswaran of the United National Party.
Attacks on members of Parliament are seriously undermining Sri Lanka’s democratic traditions and institutions. We call upon the authorities to identify the perpetrators and prosecute them in accordance with the rule of law.
“We have witnessed too many senseless killings. We urge all parties in Sri Lanka to seek a political solution to the conflict,” Ambassador Hattrem added.