Minister of International Development Erik Solheim is very troubled by the deteriorating situation in Sri Lanka. In recent days there have been intensive military operations, some involving repeated aerial bombardment, which have particularly affected innocent civilians.

“I am very troubled by the Government’s onslaught today in Vakarai, in the eastern part of Sri Lanka. Yet again it is civilians who are being killed and made to suffer due to military operations. I am extremely disappointed that the parties are not honouring the promises they made in Geneva a week and a half ago to refrain from launching any military offensives and to abide by the Ceasefire Agreement,” said Minister of International Development Erik Solheim.

“It is very worrying that the civilian Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, headed by Lars Sølvberg, came close to being hit by grenades fired by the Sri Lankan army near Pooneryn, in northern Sri Lanka. We have asked the Sri Lankan Government for an immediate explanation,” said Mr Solheim.

The International Development Minister’s duty press officer is available on 91 39 50 00