While Norway continues its role as peace facilitator, a high level delegation from Oslo is in Colombo for consultations regarding development cooperation and related issues, the Norwegian Embassy announced yesterday. Norway's Development Co-operation Deputy Minister, Olav Kjorven heads the delegation comprising of controversial Ambassador Jon Westborg and representatives from the Norwegian Foreign Ministry and NORAD. The Government delegation for the four days of talks which began yesterday, is headed by Minister Milinda Moragoda and Treasury Secretary Charitha Ratwatte.

"The purpose of this visit is to continue the dialogue with the Government on important co-operation programmes between our two countries. Norway and Sri Lanka have a long-standing relationship in the field of development co-operation. Norway has assisted Sri Lanka for more than twenty years and has annually funded Sri Lanka with around 11 million US Dollars. More than 75% of this assistance has been channelled through the Government and local authorities to the development of the southern part of the country", the Embassy said in a statement. "The first session of the political consultations will focus on economic development for employment. Industrial development, investment policies, trade, employment and labour issues will be central elements during these talks. The topic for the second session will be "Preparing for and sustaining peace" and will include discussions on immediate humanitarian needs, rehabilitation, post conflict reconstruction and development", it said.

"On February 19th Deputy Minister Kjorven will travel to Galle to visit a Solid Waste Management Project supported by NORAD. He will also meet with the Governor of the Southern Province and have a discussion on private sector development with five district chambers of commerce. Deputy Minister Kjorven will during his visit also meet members of international organisations and representatives from the Sri Lankan civil society", the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Southern Province Governor's Secretariat yesterday said the visiting Norwegian Delegation would meet Southern Province Governor, Kingsley Wickremaratne and Chief Minister, H.G. Sirisena in Galle today. In a statement, the Secretariat said the delegation would also meet the Southern Provincial Council Chairman, Shan Vijayalal de Silva and Opposition Leader, P.M.B. Cyril.