Speaking at a conference in south-east Asia, a top level Norwegian envoy recently remarked that India being the ‘best-placed regional power’ will play the most critical role in the peace process in Sri Lanka. Jon Hanssen-Bauer, who is Norway's special envoy to Colombo, pointed out that India will prove to be a major partner for Sri Lanka in the time to come. He added that Oslo too was in constant contact with New Delhi over the issue of peace process in its neighboring country.

 

Norway was involved in the signing of now-redundant ceasefire treaty between the Sri Lankan government and the rebel group, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) way back in 2002. India makes a significant trade partner for Sri Lanka apart from being a political partner for a long time, the diplomat remarked. Adding, he said India would be the best-placed regional power to actually help Sri Lanka in the best way possible.