Govt probes allegations against Solheim

The Government is trying to ascertain the truth on the allegations made against Erik Solheim by Karuna that peace envoy had given 16 million kroners to Anton Balasingham during the peace talks.

Karuna in an interview with our sister paper Daily News exposed that he saw Solheim giving money to Balasingham and later Balasingham had also confirmed it to him. Even Karuna later told the Asian Tribune the whole episode.

According to Karuna, Solheim had gifted a 6ft TV to LTTE leader Prabhakaran and former Deputy Foreign Minister Vidar Helgesen had expressed his dissatisfaction over such gifts. When contacted Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said "We are trying to ascertain the truth but the only obstacle is that the Government does not have any contact with Karuna".

However, Acting Head of Information Odd Naustdal of the Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected all allegations levelled against Solheim by Karuna.