President tells Lankan expats in Norway:

'Serve your Motherland with pride and honour'

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday commended the enormous service rendered by Sri Lankans domiciled in Norway to their Motherland.

The President said these patriotic Sri Lankans have never forgotten their Motherland and are committed to the country's well being.

The President made these remarks when he met a group of Sri Lankans representing the Tamil and Sinhala communities in Norway, at Temple Trees yesterday.

The President pointed out that Sri Lankans overseas have received a golden opportunity to serve their Motherland at a time the country is treading on the path of development with the end of the protracted conflict.

The Lankan expatriates also pledged their full support to work for the Motherland in the future too.

They will distribute school equipment among children of Pudukuduirippu, Mannakandal, and Udayakattu in the Mullaitivu district today.

Sri Lanka's ambassador to Norway Rodney Perera said he is in the process of educating the Norwegian Parliamentarians on the massive development drive being implemented in the country and the social welfare measures in place.

The President appreciating the ambassador's move said the prevailing peaceful situation in the country is most condusive for future development.

The Sri Lankans living in Norway plan to build a vocational training centre in Jaffna to develop the skills of Northern youth.