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Norway will assist Sri Lanka's peace process - Norwegian Minister Counsellor

On the invitation of the Sri Lankan Government, Norway will act as a facilitator and assist in ending the ethnic conflict and bringing bright prospects of peace and prosperity to Sri Lanka, said Mr. Oddvar Leigried Minister Counsellor of the Norway Embassy speaking as the Chief Guest at the Childrens Christmas Party of the Sri Lanka Norway Society held at the Shalika Hall Colombo.

Mr. Leigried said that the war that has lasted nearly two decades has adversely affected the economy of the country. If peace is achieved Norway will render much needed assistance for the economic growth of the nation and harnessing of its resources for the economic uplift of the nation. Norad funds are already being provided for many development projects in the South and East.

Dr. Newton Peiris President of the Sri Lanka Norway Society, welcomed the large number of members and their families who participated in the party and added that for the last eighteen years the Society had arranged the annual function with the assistance of the Norway Embassy in Sri Lanka. He thanked Jon Westborg, the Ambassador for the donation granted to the Society for the event. Dr. Peiris added that their Society will support Norway's efforts to bring about much needed peace to our country. He commended Norway's initiative and added they have no ulterior motives and colonial aspirations. The era of imperialism is past history and Norway is a small nation with a highly advanced economy and they are funding many development projects in many countries in the world.

Mr. Jim Ramanayake, Social and Publicity Secretary of the Society thanked the Norway embassy and particularly the Minister Counsellor Oddvar and Madam Ellen Leigried for their participation in the childrens party. He also thanked the Norway Ambassador Westborg, for the keen enthusiasm envinced by him in the peace mediation act. Mr. Ramanayake further revealed that over 60,000 youth of the nation have sacrificed their lives and over two lakhs injured or maimed for life for a never ending and expenditure escalating war which a small nation like ours could ill afford. He further added that for the past two decades since 1979.

Norway has being funding the Inter-grated Rural Development Projects of the Hambantota and Moneragala Districts in the most backward areas of the country. This is an ongoing program worked through the Sri Lanka Govt; agencies and has benefitted ninety per cent of the households to increase their incomes through modern methods and improved the quality of life of the people. Mr. Ramanayake further revealed that the Japanese Ambassador has promised to get a large number of investors and tourists to visit Sri Lanka if there is peace in the country. Mr. Ramanayake remarked that the ethnic war has acted as a deterrent for the economic uplift and not only bled the blood of the youth but also the coffers of the nation. 

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