Norwegian ministers to visit Hambantota and Mullaithivu next week

[TamilNet, Saturday, 15 January 2005, 09:42 GMT]
Foreign Minister Jan Petersen and Minister of International Development Ms Hilde Frafjord Johnson will visit Hambantota and Mullaithivu to study the ground situation and to gain a first hand impression of how the relief work is proceeding for the people struck by the natural disaster, according to a press release issued by the Norwegian Embassy. Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen and Special Envoy Erik Solheim will also take part in the visit, it added.

Full text of the press release issued by the Royal Norwegian Embassy follows:

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE ROYAL NORWEGIAN EMBASSY

15 January 2005

Foreign Minister Jan Petersen and Minister of International Development Hilde F. Johnson will visit Sri Lanka 20 - 23 January to assess the damage and the needs of the people of Sri Lanka after the tsunami disaster. The two ministers plan to visit Hambantota and Mullaitivu to study the ground situation and to gain a first hand impression of how the relief work is proceeding for the people struck by the greatest natural disaster in the history of Sri Lanka.

The Norwegian government has granted 183 million USD to the region and has named Sri Lanka a major recipient. Norway will work through international agencies, local non-governmental organisations and Norwegian organisastions in order to meet the immediate needs as well as to contribute to the reconstruction of the hard-hit areas.

Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen and Special Adviser Erik Solheim will also take part in the visit.