Norway keen to uplift Buddhism in Sri Lanka Norway envoy

by Nilma DOLE
 

The Norway Ambassador Tore Hattrem recently enlightened the Sunday Observer on the status of development assistance to Sri Lanka especially with regard to uplifting its Buddhist culture.

Q: Please describe the history of development assistance extended by Norway to Sri Lanka.

A: We started helping Sri Lanka about 40 years ago when a Norwegian NGO worked with Sri Lankan NGOs to help boost the fisheries sector here. In 1976, we signed a bilateral development cooperation agreement with the Sri Lankan government to strengthen the mutual ties between the two countries in the area of development cooperation. For the first 20 years, under Norway's Integrated Rural Development Project, we have fostered development in districts like Hambantota, Moneragala and Batticaloa. We give 50% of our development assistance to the South, about 20% development assistance to the North & East and 30% goes to the rest of Sri Lanka. Even though there are perceptions that Norway is too much involved in the North & East, most of our support has gone to the South . The total figure that was allocated for development assistance last year was LKR 4 billion (NOK 258 million).

Q: What are the segments of development assistance that Norway has pledged to Sri Lanka?

A: A fundamental part of Norway's development assistance to Sri Lanka is economic development in the area of poverty alleviation. Furthermore, we have supported several peace and reconciliation projects, who many would be familiar with. Within the scope of economic development, we support the Sri Lankan government in developing their vocational training curriculum, and we will support the construction of the Puttalam Technical College. Another aspect of economic development is that we support all the district chambers of commerce in Sri Lanka in collaboration with the FCCISL and Sweden. We work with the International Finance Corporation to improve access to credit to small and medium sized businesses, helping entrepreneurs all across Sri Lanka.

We also assist the National Cleaner Production centre where industries are assisted to adopt environmentally friendly clean production methods. We also advocated the 'Matchmaking' program where we foster ties between Sri Lankan and Norwegian companies in a bid to promote good business relations related to exporting and importing. Some examples of successful joint ventures include IT, Accounting, Fisheries Sector and Fibre Glass, done in conjunction with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

We also support artists in Sri Lanka and match them with Norway artists to create a fusion where there is cultural collaboration. Hence, we have supported Sri Lanka's Symphony Orchestra, various concerts and theatre productions because we believe that culture is an important sector in the broad bilateral relationship between our two countries.

Presently, we are also steering the library upgrading program where we have given LKR 6 million and have pledged another LKR 3 million for the State Cultural Fund. Through this venture, we aim to uplift the reading content of 143 cultural centres around Sri Lanka which will also facilitate the purchase of several motor tricycles for a mobile library service that will make the books available to those with no access to libraries.

Another area of technical assistance is our support to Sri Lanka's preparation of its claim to UNCLOS, to secure Sri Lanka's rights to the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles.. Other areas where Norway's development assistance is significant to Sri Lanka is water and power supply assistance and rural electrification together with the ADB.

Q: The Norway Temple Tsunami Reconstruction Project for reconstructing religious sites in Sri Lanka after the tsunami has been a success. Why has this been an important aspect of development assistance ?

A: After the tsunami, there was tremendous suffering and the first place people sought refuge and solace was through religion. So it was essential to firstly, build the religious sites. So far, we have already reconstructed 32 Buddhist temples where LKR 200 million has been allocated. Reconstruction for an additional 35 religious buildings in the East is presently nearing completion.

By working closely with the 'Sangha', we have a memorandum of understanding with Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy, and the University of Peradeniya where Buddhist studies will be offered.

We have supported their idea of a liberal arts university where the 'Dhamma' teachings of the Buddha will be offered since Kandy is a significant Buddhist site. We see the benefit in strengthening the 'Sangha' and its leadership because of the beneficial aspects of charity it can harness. For example, during times of need in Burma, it was easier for the Sri Lankan Buddhist brothers to help their Burmese counterparts where access for UN aid officials was difficult.

Q: How has the support being from the Sri Lankan government with regard to obtaining assistance from the Norway government?

A: Since we have been working with the Sri Lankan government for over 30 years, we have a good working relationship with the Sri Lankan government in the area of development assistance.

Q: What kind of development assistance is Norway hoping to put forward in the future?

A: In the future, we are willing to support Sri Lanka in the area of renewable energy. We have had discussions with the Environment Ministry when it comes to capacity strengthening CDMs (Clean Development Mechanisms).

Norway and Sri Lanka have much in common and we understand how important it is to connect with each other in order to develop. I think that there will be peace in Sri Lanka some time in the future and we will continue our support to Sri Lanka.