Brattskar visits Norwegian projects in Jaffna, Mullaitivu

[TamilNet, Thursday, 12 May 2005, 12:39 GMT]
Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar is visiting Tsunami affected areas in Jaffna and Mullaitivu districts Thursday to see some of the Norwegian supported boat and engine repair stations in Point Pedro, Munai and Aaliawalay, an embassy press release said. During his visit, Mr. Brattskar will also have discussions with LTTE in Killinochchi, it said.

A.J. Fishing Industries Ltd. with the support of Coastal Campaign Norway and the Norwegian Government operates 6 repair stations in the North in the areas such as Munai, Mathagal, Polykandy, Manalkadu, Aathikovilady, Chundikulam.

More than 300 boats have already been repaired by these stations, the embassy said.

Up to now, Norway has approved Rs. 850 million to rehabilitate the fisheries industry in all Tsunami affected districts in Sri Lanka.

“Major part of this support will be utilised to repair boats and engines and to provide nets and other equipment for fishermen to be back in the sea.”

Ambassador Brattskar will also discuss about the Norwegian supported school rehabilitation programme in Mullaitivu, implemented by the Norwegian Refugee Council.

“On the Post Tsunami Rehabilitation Task, Norway’s main concerns are to see that the fishermen back to sea and the children back to schools,” the press release quoted the Ambassador Brattskar as saying.

During his visit he will also have discussions with LTTE in Killinochchi.