Norway provides NOK 36 million in emergency relief to Sri Lanka

The Government is providing NOK 36 million to humanitarian efforts in Sri Lanka. Norway is concerned about the civilian population affected by the conflict.

The fighting is intensifying in northern Sri Lanka, where tens of thousands of civilians are now being forced to flee. The humanitarian organisations are working under extremely difficult conditions. Now that the UN and NGOs have had to withdraw from LTTE-controlled areas, we foresee increased humanitarian needs.

Norway urges all the affected parties to comply with international humanitarian law and ensure that those in need get the assistance they are entitled to, including humanitarian access and freedom of movement for civilians.

The money Norway is now providing will be channelled through UN agencies, the Red Cross and other NGOs.

Press contact: Head of Information Trond Viken, mobile phone: 992 18 303