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Derailing from peace process will scare investors -Norwegian Dy Minister

By M. R. M. Niyas, Hambantota special correspondent

The peace process and international community support go hand-in hand. Derailing from the peace process will scare off investors, said Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgessen.

Addressing journalists after the Hambantota district development meeting at the Oasis Hotel on October 20, he said Norway was continuously appealing to the international community for funds for projects and investment.

The Norwegian delegation including Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Jon Westborg were on an official inspection tour to Hambantota district to monitor development activities the district carried out with Norwegian help.

"In the long run Sri Lanka should not be a country receiving development assistance, because it is resourceful with an educated population, and opportunities in cultural and natural resources to promote tourism," Helgessen said.

He said 180,000 internally displaced persons are returning to their original homes because of the peace process. "This is a good sign," the deputy Minister said.

It is only the two parties involved in the conflict that can bring peace to Sri Lanka and not the outside world.

Southern Region Development Minister Ananda Kularatne chairing the meeting, said the NORAD development programme carried out with Norwegian Assistance has made a tremendous impact on the Hambantota district people's lives. The Norwegian Government has provided Rs. 1 billion from 1978 to 1998 to implement development programmes to uplift the Hambantota district people's living condition Kularatne said. "We in the Southern province appreciate the role that you have played in initiating the peace process.

The facilitation of Norway in the peace process has brought relief to the population and has stimulated economic growth. The people of Hambantota district seek continued assistance to address their problems," Minister said.

Deputy Minister of Health, Welfare and Nutritions Sajith Premadasa said they were for a devolution within a united Sri Lanka.

He said: "We are badly handicapped when facing challenges of the international market as youth of Sri Lanka are not trained to cater to the needs of the foreign market. Therefore any assistance to tackle this problem would help youths of the district."

Deputy Chairman of Committees Siri Andrahennadi, Hambantota district MP Dilip Wedaarachchi, Additional Director General, Southern Development Authority Dr. A. P. Nandasena, Counsellor, Norwegian Embassy, Tor Kubborod and other Norwegian Embassy officials were also present.

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JVP protests against Norwegian visitors to Hambantota

by Hambantota special correspondent

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) on Sunday staged a protest demonstration against a Norwegian delegation's visit to the Hambantota district.

The delegation included Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgessen and Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lankan Jon Westborg.

The demonstration was held along the Matara-Kataragama main road. Sisilasagama, Hambantota and later in front of a hotel where the delegation held a meeting with (UNF) parliamentarians representing the district.

Addressing protesters, campaign convenor and Hambantota district JVP MP Nihal Galappaththi said the United National Front Government is planning to devide the country according to a hidden agenda with Norwegian and American involvement.

Nearly 500 demonstrators participated in the campaign.

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