The “New Sri Lanka” needs political support, aid, tourists and investments, former Norwegian Peace Envoy Erik Solheim said to the Norwegian Public Service Radio and TV broadcaster, NRK.
He said Sri Lanka had come out of a long period of authoritative rule and that Sri Lankans should be proud that they showed their country had even deeper democratic roots than most people thought. He said he is happy, as are many of his friends in Sri Lanka, and he sees that Sri Lanka has a golden opportunity.
During a recent radio interview Solheim elaborated that freedom of expression can be strengthened, and torture and disappearances in the country brought to an end. Coming to terms with the dark side of the history could build a foundation for future generations. Murders committed on politicians and journalists under the previous regime should therefore be solved and war crimes investigated.
If Sri Lanka would fail, it would create a lot of frustration and could lead to new conflicts and violence, Erik Solheim said.
He tried as a Peace Broker to help the warring parties in Sri Lanka make a peace deal come true after the 2002 Cease Fire agreement. As we know peace talks failed and instead there was another phase in the war, which ended with the defeat of the LTTE in May 2009.
Commenting on the shift of government in Sri Lanka, Solheim explained the greatest challenge for the new leadership is to reach real and true reconciliation with the Tamils.
The Tamils and Muslims need to get equal rights in society and now comes a time to settle this issue, which of course can be solved. Only Sri Lanka can solve the problems, but they should be assured Norway can and is willing to assist, Solheim said to NRK.
He does not see a role for the Norwegian Peace Diplomacy, but said the government in Oslo, as well as governments all over the world, should take the opportunity to “warmly greet the new leadership in Sri Lanka”.
Solheim is currently leading a development committee in the Paris based OECD, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The organisation has 34 member nations, all developed and democratic.
Solheim also said the example set in Sri Lanka “will make many dictators night sleep uneasy”. Many commentators sees it as a role model, where a broad opposition came together to replace a leader that had become more and more authoritative.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry in Oslo in light of the positive development, in a short statement said it is natural to establish contact with the new government of Sri Lanka.
bo / February 5, 2015
It is best if you now stay out of our country! Trust is lost, we know what you did last two decades.
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Off The Wall / February 5, 2015
Yes, Sola the liar should keep away from the ‘New Sri Lanka’ – otherwise it will not be new. His lies on behalf of the fascist Tigers didn’t work and now he is surprised Sri Lanka “had even deeper democratic roots than most people thought.” What a loser.
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nuwan / February 5, 2015
Omly A Lunatic would ever Listen to his dishonest peace broker. He needs to learn the meaning of Imaprtial Peace broker. Because of His Very close involment with certain parties the peace became a failure.. He once in Front of the LTTE Leader said ti him You are a True Leader and HERO. Anyway Not just sri lanka look at the joke called the Oslo peace process palestine & Israel where Norway Clearly acted in a bias way which today was the worse peace deal in the world. I would rather we sri lankans’s be the poor donkey, yet the donkey which know the correct path we are going.
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Native Vedda / February 5, 2015
nuwan
“He needs to learn the meaning of Imaprtial Peace broker.”
Of course the Norwegians should learn to be impartial.
They went to Palestine and broke the intifada. They came here and broke the back of the LTTE.
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Native Vedda / February 5, 2015
Off The Wall
“fascist Tigers”
Could you define for the benefit of fellow forum sharers.
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AVB / February 5, 2015
Thank you Mr Solheim. Yes we need help, especially getting new opportunities and improving our manufacturing, production skills and exporting quality products. Service industry like tourism or sending mothers to ME as maids should not be the priority, just my thoughts..
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Kettikaran / February 8, 2015
One of Sri Lanka’s major weaknesses is that handicap of being unable to distinguish between friend and foe. Why does wealthy Norway take the trouble to try bring peace to Sri Lanka, the Palestinian people? Erik Solheim risked his political life in
over-exerting in the National Lankan problem. He tried to create space both for the Sinhala and LTTE positions to arrive at some form of workable and sustainable consensus. But many here, purely for political and pseudo-nationalistic reasons, severely castigated him. And so it is with India – although both examples are not identical. Remember that incident after chasing away the Norwegians at the instance of Sinhala extremists, Sri Lanka under CBK had to plead for them to come back.
The problem is not Solheim and Norway but our deranged political
system and the attitudes of low-grade local politicians at the helm. These sundries will determine whether Sri Lanka will escape from the long depths of despair we have cumulatively earned for us or move forward in unity and reconciliation. As Trotsky observed there were socialists then who could not recognise even when a revolution is taking place many Lankans, on the Sinhala side, are unable to differentiate between friend and foe. Like others in this page, I believe Norway and Solheim are sincere friends both of Sri Lanka and its diverse people.
Kettikaran
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Amarasiri / February 5, 2015
Erik Solheim,
Old Sri Lanka and ‘New Sri Lanka’:
Sri Lankan’s seen – Life of Sri Lankans, more than 100 years ago.
It is up to the Sri Lankans to define life for the Next 100 years. They can improve or self-destruct. Alt for Sri Lanka, all for Sri Lanka.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pCtjnhxXfw
Uploaded on Dec 30, 2010
Collection of Photographs of People & their life, taken during British Colonial Era (1815-1948) which downloaded through Internet. With profound thanks to photographers (Expatriates for sure) , we are able to view how our life in Sri Lanka (Ceylon, Then) had been more than 100 years ago. Please observe what a peaceful life, humble clothing and charming atmosphere enjoyed between Late 1800s and Early 1900s. Lets View, conserve and pass them for our next Generations
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Raja / February 5, 2015
History by TNA at national event
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) created history today by taking part in the national independence day celebrations at Parliament grounds in Kotte, the first time since 1972 when it was decided that Sri Lanka’s main Tamil political parties will boycott independence day celebrations.
TNA leader R. Sampanthan, who was among those who agreed in 1972 to boycott national independence day celebrations, attended today’s event.
His participation at the national event after 43 years boosted President Maithripala Sirisena’s call for national unity and reconciliation.
The TNA had boycotted national independence day celebrations in the past on the basis that Tamils in Sri Lanka had yet to experience true independence.
http://colombogazette.com/2015/02/04/history-by-tna-at-national-event/
Rift in TNA Over Sampanthan and Sumanthiran Attending 67th Independence Day Celebrations Without Party Taking Decision
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Sellam / February 6, 2015
That is the last of them both. Crooks number one and two. Sampanthan has to retire and Sumanthiran has to practice Law.
Disgraceful and shameless people.
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Ben Hurling / February 5, 2015
According to Solheim “Tamils and Muslims need to get equal rights in society and now comes a time to settle this issue”.
Wow! Tell us something we did not know before Erik. What makes Erik believe we need exactly his advice? Who asked for his opinion anyway?
Shouldn’t Erik worry more about Muslims in Norway, Europe & in the OECD nations itself? Rather than in Sri Lanka.
European Muslims are being increasingly marginalized & stigmatized as medieval, violent, intolerant, terrorists. Fact.
Has Erik forgotten Anders Breivik was first and foremost a Norwegian anti-Muslim crusader? He certainly was not Sri Lankan & will never be. Breivik may well be in jail where he should be, but anti-Muslim feeling is at fever pitch in Europe, including in Norway.
So much so situation is akin to how Jews were being stigmatized for all ills in pre 2nd World War Europe. We know what happened in so called “civilized” Europe. Just a few decades ago.
European Union came into being precisely because these self-appointed experts in Europe simply would not quit killing each other for peanuts.
Cheers!
PS: New GOSL should offer Sri Lankan expertise on true tolerance to our European “friends”. They don’t have to ask. We can offer to support anyway. We belive, just like Solheim that we know better.
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Somar / February 7, 2015
EXACTLY. Stay Away. Stay in your NO WAY. I like to call the names you deserve but I cannot do it here.
This New Govt should declare this man a persona non grata.
Solheim is an idiot if he thinks Sri Lankans will ever forget how he tried to divided this country.
Don’t even think of visiting this country – even a s a tourist. Stay away – unless you want trouble.
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Amarasiri / February 5, 2015
Mr. Erik Solheim,
This is 2015, not 2005.
No more LTTE Velupilaiai Prabakaran and his Election buddy, Mahinda Rajapaksa and his UPFA.
The people of Sri Lanka, on their own, have thrown them out of power.
Now Mr. Erik Solheim, Herr Erik Solheim, both you and Norway are tainted with BOTH Velupillai Prabakaran and Mahinda Rajapaksa. Remember, Norway funded Rajapaksa Budu Bala Sena, BBS, the Terrorist organization with Israeli and US Money?
Therefore, it is Best for you Mr. Eric Solheim, Norway, Sri Lanka and the New Sri Lanka Government to stay apart. There were too many bad actors from both sides.
It is not the people, but the actors who have messed things up for the people of Sri Lanka and people of Norway.
Alt for Norge, All for Norway.
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thondamannar / February 5, 2015
Hey guys !!!!!!!! There are 02 Sovereign wealth funds in the world.
China has one……… Beneficiary MR
The other with Norway..beneficiary Ranil
If SL is going to sideline China, THEN lets tell ranil to dip his into the Norway fund.
Afterall BONDEVIK set it up for Ranil in 2001.
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Nallavan / February 5, 2015
Norway and other western countries including US and Canada first make sure War Criminals are punished. Mahinda and his brother Gotabaya should be hanged to die. Economic sanction should be imposed imediately against Sri Lanka until Tamils get their sovereign Tamil Eelam land back. The world should accept that other than TE there is no future for Sinhalese and Tamils.
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Amarasiri / February 5, 2015
Nallavan
“Norway and other western countries including US and Canada first make sure War Criminals are punished”
Yes.
Start from Iraq, Syria ans Gaza and add to the list…
LTTE War Crimes? War Crimes by Maveeran and Muttalls not counted?
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Ram / February 6, 2015
Most died on the shores of the Nandikadal. Many others have been rehabilitated, and hopefully will become useful citizens.
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MirakRajBanda / February 5, 2015
Thank you Eric but stay away from New Sri Lanka. You supported LTTE and then BBS the Buddhist terror group. You lost your credentials of part of democracy!
Please don’t come Sri Lanka again even a tourist!!
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K.A Sumanasekera / February 5, 2015
Please. Please go away…
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wathie / February 5, 2015
Solheim should never be allowed to get near Sri Lanka. He can continue helping that TGTE pie in the sky.
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Tamil from the north / February 7, 2015
@Sumanasekeram, we all have been asking you to do the same but you are still here lurking around like a freak.
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Pacs / February 5, 2015
It is not a New Sri Lanka. Still The Military has the police powers and The PTA in force. The military is occupying the Tamil Lands. The Sri Lanka is doing or repeating the same thing what the European colonialist did to the Tamils and also to the Singhalese.
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radish.S / February 5, 2015
Although a little breathing space has been created, thanks to the democracy concerned majority Tamil and Muslim voters and minority Sinhala voters who were fed up with the extremist, dictatorial government of MR and his ‘de facto’ Chief Justice and ‘thugs’,nothing much has changed as far as the Tamils are concerned. Section 12 of the Public Security Act giving Police Powers to Army,Navy and Air Force has been signed a day before the Independence day negating Independence of the peoples.I understand checking at Omanthai has resumed today. Resettlement of the private Tamil land owners in Valikamam west and other places like Sampoor has not yet started. No action has yet been taken to investigate thoroughly into the murders of former Members of Parliament Raviraj,Chandra Nehru,Joseph Pararajasingham and Sivanesan, Chairperson of NESOHR Rev.Fr.F.X.Karunaratnam and Journalists Sivaram,Lasantha and Sugirtharajan and the disappearances of many other journalists has not commenced.The new formation has joined with Pillaiyan,Iniyabharathi and Najeeb majid of the SLFP of MR and the opportunist and power hungry Muslim
Congress to form the government in the Eastern Provincial Council to avoid the single majority party TNA from forming the government. Assistance from NOrway for a government in S.L., yes but if it is democratic and ready to solve the problems of Tamils a good number of whom had to seek asylum in Norway after the pogrom against them in 1983.
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Mr Curious / February 5, 2015
An observation: When the war started over again, around 2006-2007, Erik Solheim and Norway was subjected to a hate campaign by the Defence Ministry and Government officials.
Flags were burned, embassies attacked by ‘mobs’. Defence.lk carried vicious articles, and parts of the Sinhala nationalist media joined in.
The reactions against Norway and Solheim might be explained by some people uncritically believeing in the propaganda, which in fact was orchestrated by the previous Defence Minister and Defence Secretary. One claim was that Norway had a hidden agenda and would help the LTTE.
Remember Norway and other countries paid for the peace efforts with aid (tax payers money from Nordic countries) with nothing in return, well except for the hate campaigns.
Does someone have a more balanced view when it comes to foreign peace brokers?
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Prem / February 5, 2015
Enough of your help and solution your countries and United Nation or for political and capitulation Norway, Solheim please visit this, The Peace Process calls a halt to the Genocide [Edited out]
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perera / February 6, 2015
NO THANK YOU SOLHEIM.
THE LAST TIME YOU TRIED HELP WE NEARLY MET ARMAGEDDON.
WE DONT WANT TO REVIST THAT.
KEEP OUT OF SRI LANKA PLEASE.
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Truth / February 6, 2015
Norway must get out of their Ethnic straight jacket. The Scandinavian Countries must help Sri Lanka to develop the legislation on Gender Equity, income distribution and controlling Alcoholism & Betting.
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M.Yoga / February 7, 2015
We should not look at past track record with Norway, to comment Erik Solhims comments.
We should welcome his points and be opened minded, Sri Lanka needs co-operations with all global world, we need to be part of the system.
Norway has its problems need to address but what it says correctly about our system we can accept, in this way we could be prowd we are a matured state and our people are matured and civilized.
All nations have extreamism, but it depends who is controling the power, we could have laws and it depends how we impliment them in practice. Even in Norway lately questions are being asked if the goverment is following the constitutions framework related to certain specific cases. But the good thing is it is being discussed publicaly and could be read in news papers. Norwegian systems are much younger and going through changes constantly.
We Shall be good people we will look all comments with open view. Our values are good and we care about our future and our people.
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Tilak de Silva / February 8, 2015
Message to Mr Solheim, parasites spread diseases and infections, please stay away, you have a country Norway and a family spread your infection among them, you have no reason to interfere in Sri Lanka, your two buddies Velupillai and Balasingham are dead, hold on to their murderous memories.
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Mahendra de Alwis / February 10, 2015
2 words for Solheim “Piss off”.
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