Sri Lanka President discusses northeast development with Norwegian leader

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is currently in New York to attend the 65th session of United Nations General Assembly, appraised the Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg Tuesday of Sri Lanka's progress in the development of war-ravaged North and East.

During a bilateral discussion held yesterday on the sidelines of the on the side lines of the special UN Summit on Millennium Development Goals, the President Rajapaksa has told the Norwegian Prime Minister that the Government had to spend a vast amount of money to develop the infrastructure in the North and East due to the destruction caused by the LTTE in the region.
The Norwegian leader has commended Sri Lanka's speedy resettlement of the displaced people and reiterated his government's support to rebuild the country.
President Rajapaksa has said he is confident that Norway would make a vital contribution to develop the North and the East as well as other part of Sri Lanka. He has expressed his gratitude to the Norwegian leader for the contribution made by NORAD in the development of the Hambantota District.
The President has pointed out the investment opportunities available in the country for the Norwegian businesses and extended an invitation for a Norwegian delegation to visit the country and to witness the progress of the tourism industry.
He has noted that ties between Sri Lanka and Norway are now improving as evident by the increase in the number of Norwegian tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka.
The Norwegian leader has said that his country is willing to invest in the social and economic spheres of Sri Lanka.
Norwegian Development Minister Eric Solheim who was present at the discussions has said the Tamil Diaspora should join hands with the government to help their fellow Sri Lankan Tamils in the conflict-affected areas.
External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, parliamentarians Namal Rajapaksa, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Sri Lanka's Permanent representative to the UN Dr Palitha Kohona also participated.
(Pictures by Sudath Silva)