Norwegian officials told Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga on Friday that Norway will continue its support and assistance to Sri Lankan government' rehabilitation efforts after the tsunami.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Jan Peterson and International Development Minister Hilde F. Johnson also conveyed their condolences to Kumaratunga during their talks with the president in the President's House.

Kumaratunga briefed the two Norwegian ministers on the steps taken by the government with the support of local NGOs and the international community to organize rescue and relief measures.

Kumaratunga said that plans for the next phase of rebuilding have been completed in the shortest possible time as a result of an inclusive and transparent discussion with all political parties, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), NGOs and civil society.

The visitors viewed statistics, plans, proposed implementation measures and rescue and relief efforts conducted under the aegis of respective task forces established after the tsunami.

Hilde Johnson expressed her appreciation of the work done towards recovery. She emphasized the need for donor coordination and for donors to relate to Sri Lanka's national plans.

Peterson said Indonesia and Sri Lanka being the two most affected, Norwegian assistance will focus on these two countries.

Diplomatic sources said the Norwegian delegation and Sri Lankan President also touched on the topic of reviving the stalled peace process with the rebel LTTE.

Norway brokered a cease-fire in 2002 following 19 years of war that killed nearly 65,000 people.

Peace efforts stalled in 2003 because of disagreements between the government and the LTTE over rebel demands for autonomy.

Later Friday, the Norwegian delegation flew by helicopter over devastated regions of southern Sri Lanka and visited Hambantota, a town totally damaged by the tsunami.

Peterson is scheduled to travel to the rebel-held Kilinochchi on Saturday to meet LTTE supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran.

Source: Xinhua