UK’s International Development Secretary Clare Short yesterday said the Oslo support conference demonstrates UK and international support for the peace process in Sri Lanka.

“We have welcomed the positive and constructive progress of the peace talks and I commend both sides for the flexibility they have shown in the negotiations.  The Norwegian Government deserves special praise for the important role they have played in facilitating the peace process, “Clare said.  “We also looked at human rights and the necessity for humanitarian agencies to have independent access to, and the ability to work freely with, communities in need of assistance.

I look forward to viewing progress on these issues when I visit Sri Lanka early next year”.

Short met Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and Minister Moragoda (twice) in London this year.