Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik of Norway today sent the following letter of condolences to president Kumaratunga:

"Dear President Kumaratunga,

I was deeply shocked to learn of the assassination of Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Lakshman Kadirgamar on 12 August.

Mr Kadirgamar was a distinguished and dedicated politician and representative of his country. His tragic death is a great loss and could possibly be a threat to the peace process. It is now of the utmost importance that all efforts are directed towards a peaceful solution to the conflict for the sake of all the peoples of Sri Lanka.

On behalf of the Government of Norway, I extend my deepest condolences to you and the Government of Sri Lanka, and ask you to convey my heartfelt sympathy to Mr Kadirgamar’s family in their bereavement, and to the Sri Lankan people.

We are mourning with you in this time of grief.

Yours sincerely,

Kjell Magne Bondevik"