The second session of the first round of talks between the Sri Lanka Government and the LTTE with Norwegian facilitation held in Thailand concluded on 3 November 2002.

A statement issued by the Royal Norwegian Government at the end of the talks highlighted the positive pragmatic and conciliatory approach of the two sides.

Several decisions were taken to advance the peace process Among them are:

a) Agreed Measures to improve the Security situation in the Eastern province

It was also decided to setup committees to work on areas needing urgent attention

b) A Sub-Committee on Immediate Humanitarian and Rehabilitation Needs to improve the living conditions of all communities in the North and East.

c) A Sub-Committee on Political Matters to jointly study constitutional and other issues central to the peace process and

d) A Sub-Committee on De-escalation and Normalisation to facilitate the resettlement of internally displaced persons in the North and East.


A Conference is to be held in Oslo on 25 November 2002 to launch an appeal for international support for humanitarian and rehabilitation needs of the North and East.