Farewell to Hans Braksttar

by Ananth Palakidnar

The outgoing Norwegian Ambassador Hans Braksttar said that he was leaving Sri Lanka with cherished memories.

Braksttar made his farewell speech at a function held at his Gregory's Place residence on Wednesday.

A large gathering of diplomats, academics, journalists and politicians were present at the event to bid farewell to the Norwegian Ambassador and his family.

Braksttar said that it was a wonderful experience serving in the island and would remember the cherished memories he gained here throughout his life. "I hope for the best in establishing peace in the country," the envoy said.

Hans Braksttar succeeded Jon Westborg as the Norwegian ambassador in 2003.

It was during the period of Braksttar that several rounds of talks between the Government and the LTTE took place with the Norwegian facilitation. Hans Braksttar, a career diplomat returns to the Norwegian Foreign Office and the new Norwegian Ambassador is expected to assume duties in mid August.