May 04, Colombo (LNW): Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda engaged in a crucial dialogue with Erik Solheim, President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s International Environmental Adviser and esteemed Peace Envoy appointed by the Norwegian Government during the turbulent period of the LTTE conflict, in Colombo on Wednesday (1). The focus of their discussion centered on Sri Lanka’s prevailing political landscape.
Minister Devananda underscored President Wickremesinghe’s pivotal role as the sole leader capable of navigating Sri Lanka through its current economic and political turmoil. Emphasizing the President’s internationally recognized political acumen, the Minister expressed confidence in Wickremesinghe’s dedication to crafting viable solutions tailored to address the unique challenges faced by the Tamil-speaking populace.
Reflecting on a conversation held 28 years prior with Erik Solheim, the Minister reiterated his stance that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through violence. He affirmed his belief that under President Wickremesinghe’s stewardship, Sri Lanka could chart a course towards robust economic progress while concurrently addressing the multifaceted concerns of Tamil-speaking communities and other ethnic groups.
Following his insightful political analysis, Minister Devananda earnestly implored Erik Solheim to leverage the support of the Norwegian Government in bolstering the country’s fishing community. Specifically, he urged measures to facilitate the provision of cutting-edge technology and fishing equipment essential for enhancing the livelihoods of fishermen nationwide.
