New Sri Lanka Ambassador present credentials to King of Norway

Career Diplomat E. Rodney M. Perera, the new Sri Lanka Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway, presented his credentials to His Majesty Harald V, the King of Norway at the Royal Palace in Oslo.

Majesty Harald V, the King of Norway and Diplomat E. Rodney M. Perera, the new Sri Lanka Ambassador to the country

At the simple, yet dignified credentials ceremony, the new Ambassador explained to the Norwegian Head of State the aim of the Mahinda Rajapaksa Government to the timely and effective action of the security forces to launch the largest hostage rescue mission in history, to free civilians held captive by the separatist terror group.
Ambassador Perera stated that Sri Lanka is at the threshold of heralding a new era, in which all Sri Lankans are presented with a renewed opportunity for peace and development as efforts are already underway to complement the humanitarian mission with a political solution. The Government and the people of Sri Lanka are firmly committed to the vigorous pursuit of a homegrown solution acceptable to all communities in Sri Lanka.
It is now opportune for the international community to focus its attention on the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts of the Government in the North, in the post-conflict scenario. Sri Lanka would appreciate the Kingdom of Norway to extend its fullest support to the Government in undertaking this endeavour. The international community, including Norway, has the important responsibility of ensuring that no terror organization operates through illegal means against the national interests of a sovereign country, with the assistance of front organizations located in foreign land.
His Majesty Harald V agreed with the new Sri Lankan Ambassador that the time was ripe for both Norway and Sri Lanka to turn a new chapter in the 59 year old bilateral relationship for the mutual benefit of the respective peoples.
Their Majesties King Harald and Queen Sonja thereafter hosted a special luncheon immediately upon the completion of the credentials ceremony at which Ambassador Perera and his spouse were invited as special guests of honour.